Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beijing: The final edition of the AFC U-14 Regional Festival of Football concluded in China on Saturday.
Ten nations -- China PR, Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea Republic, Macau, Mongolia and Northern Mariana Islands took part in the festival held for the East region.
Chinese Football Association Vice-President Lin Xiaohua said during the festival's closing ceremony: “I believe that the players are future football stars who will bring honour to their own country and Asia. This is the beginning of your potential professional football career. I wish all of you the very best.”
AFC Festival Manager Dr Shamil K. Mohammed said: “The festival has provided a great opportunity for the players and referees to develop their skills and gain more knowledge and experience.
“The players have just crossed the starting line and now you have a long journey to reach your destination. I’d like to see you work hard, focus on your goals and most importantly feel confident and believe in yourself. I hope I’ll see you all again at a higher-level AFC competition.”
Medals and Certificates of Participation were presented to the referees and 180 players from the 10 participating nations.
A total of 137 goals were scored during 20 matches played over four days of the festival.
The regional festival will be replaced by an U-15 development tournament that will be held every other year during the year of the AFC U-16 Championship.