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Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 7 August 2008

Pro Touch soccer kids are among world’s best

A TEAM made up of some of the best footballers from across Camden and Islington returned home to a hero’s welcome this week after winning a trophy at one of the biggest youth soccer tournaments in the world.
Players from the Under-14s Pro Touch Soccer Academy (pictured) were in a buoyant mood after bagging bronze in the prestigious Dana Cup, which was held in Denmark.
Leading scorer Jason Cruz was in sensation form throughout the five-day competition, scoring five goals in the opening three games to help the Academy finish top of their group.
Duane O’achie, Tylon Riley, David Bangurah, Awet Gebreslasie, Jack Todorov and Daoud Bakalandwa were also all on target as the Pro Touch boys overcame Swedish side Lackeby-Rockneby IK and Norwegian teams Herd Spk and Notteroy.
The Academy went on to beat German outfit Eintracht Immen 3-0 in the second round thanks to goals from Cruz, O’achie and Daniel Avanzi.
The super squad then stormed past Norway’s Forus OG Gausel in the third round. O’achie and Lorik Krasniqi scored two goals apiece, while Riley, Gebreslasie, Cruz and Mohamed Bettamer also all found the back of the net in an 8-0 victory.
With more than 120 teams taking part in the tourney, the standard of opponent became increasingly tougher with each passing round. The Pro Touch stars continued to impress, however, as they beat Norwegian sides Nymark and Lov Ham FB on penalties to reach the final four.
Professional Mexican side and eventual champions Chivas Guadalajara ended the Academy’s jubilant journey in the semi-finals when they beat the Camden and Islington side 9-1. But despite the defeat, the Pro Touch squad were still celebrating after earning a creditable third place finish.
Afterwards director of the Academy, Ash Rahman, was delighted with how his troops handled the intense competition. “It’s a magnificent feeling knowing that you’re the third best team in the world. Everyone involved in the Pro Touch Academy is so proud of the boys. They all worked extremely hard preparing for the tournament and rightfully returned home with their heads held high.”

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