AL AIN // Leading European clubs Espanyol, Marseille and Valencia are among the teams participating in the 10-day Al Ain International Under 17 championship at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed stadium in Al Qattara. The hosts take on Moroccan club Raja Casablanca in tonight's opener followed by the Espanyol versus the African All Stars in Group A. The other group is made up of Marseille, Valencia, Egyptian club Al Ahly and the UAE U17s. "This tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for the young players to play against teams from different parts of the world," said Mohammed bin Thaloob al Derai, the chairman of the higher organising committee.
"It is an opportunity too for our own players in the club and the national team to gain more experience and sometimes long lasting friendship. Who knows, some of them can go on to become big future stars." @Email:apassela@thenational.ae
