K-Tech Youngsters Head To Elite Competition
[Written by Stephen Wright]
A group of the island’s ambitious young footballers will experience elite-level competition against top European academies in Barcelona next week.
A squad of 17 under-12 players from Kenny Thompson’s K-Tech programme will test themselves against academy teams such as Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica and Sporting CP at the annual Tik-Tak Cup.
Thompson, who has taken youngsters to the three-day tournament since 2014, said it was an opportunity for local players to taste higher-level competition.
“It’s a massive tournament because you have elite academies across Europe competing,” said Thompson, who also coaches Premier Division side North Village. “All the big Spanish teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Espanyol and Valencia are usually there.
“It’s the highest level of youth football you can imagine. It’s an opportunity for our players to experience elite football for their age group.
“You always want to win every game, but it’s not about expecting to win or trying to go far [in the tournament] for our players. We have to prepare as best we can to be competitive.”
Thompson, a former Bermuda national team coach, added: “Once you understand how challenging this level is, you’re in a better position to prepare for it.”
Over-age players from the K-Tech programme have also travelled to Barcelona for training experiences and will take part in games against local teams before the tournament, which starts on Friday.
