Nawras Beach Football Tournament 2014 set to kick off

Mobilk - Hundreds of Oman’s top footballing talents will compete to become the Sultanate’s beach soccer champions at the Nawras Beach Football Tournament 2014. Following last year’s success, the knockout competition has been expanded to 128 teams this year, from 64 last year, with separate events in Sur starting on Saturday 22 March and in Muscat starting on Friday 28 March. The best 16 teams from each city will then play for the title in the finals which are set to take place on 29 March at the Grand Hyatt Beach in Muscat. 

Speaking at a press conference to announce the beginning of this year’s tournament registration, Said Safrar, Chief Customer Experience Officer, said, “Oman is and will continue to be a football loving nation. It is not just considered a game that has found its way into heart of every household, but a discipline and a culmination of all that is necessary for a healthy and successful life; commitment, perseverance, compassion and respect. Our goal is to nurture our youth and inspire them to grow through sports.”      

He added, “The Nawras Beach Football Tournament has grown in stature every year, seeing thousands of people flock to the shores to cheer the teams and enjoy the full day events and activities. This year, we have doubled the number of participating teams to allow as many youth to register and compete for the title Nawras Beach Football Champions 2014.” 

To register for the tournament, team captains are required to submit registration forms, complete with the team name and participating players, at the Nawras stores in Muscat Grand Mall and on the main street in Sur. Each team can name up to seven players, five players for the match, including the goalkeeper, and two substitutes. 

The winning three teams will receive exciting monetary prizes. The highest scoring player will also be rewarded with an individual prize. 

Nawras will supply the bibs as well as organise accredited referees. The action will start at 9 am every day and will include fun-filled activities and live entertainment for the spectators to enjoy and win great Nawras prizes before coming to end at 5 pm.

Nawras, a member of the Ooredoo Group, is a strong believer in the power of sport to encourage teamwork, leadership and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Under its extensive umbrella, Ooredoo operates several community football programmes as a vehicle for social development across the group’s footprint in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.