The fixtures of the inaugural international JSC–Jotun Young Soccer League (YSL) for Under 18 and Under 15 teams were released by chief guest Anand Kumar, Indian Consul (Consular Services), at the Jeddah Trident Hotel Hall here recently. The ceremony was also graced by a host of invited dignitaries, executives and officials of tournament sponsors, prominent media personnel, managers, coaches and captains of participating teams, and officials from various organizations in Jeddah. [caption id="attachment_45426" align="alignright" width="300"] Jotun Marketing Manager Faisal Kareem (3rd R) and Finance Director Shygil Moideen (2nd R) unveil the tournament trophies.[/caption] The five-week tournament, organized by Jeddah Soccer Club (JSC) Soccer Training Academy, will be held at the Dunk Football Ground near Ikea Store on Tahalia Street. The tournament will kick off this Friday and the finals are scheduled for April 29. All matches will be held in the evening on Fridays. Apart from JSC teams, International Indian School Jeddah, Dunk Spanish Soccer Training Academy, Al-Wadi International School, Eritrea International School and Indonesian International School are vying for honors in this youth football festival. The ceremony began with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an by JSC Under 18 team captain Abdul Muiz followed by welcome speech by JSC President Jaffer Ahmed. Tournament Committee Head Basheer Machingal briefed the gathering about the YSL tournament and explained its rules and regulations. JSC Chairman Basheer T.P. launched the latest version of JSC profile by handing it over to Dr. Zafarullah as Shygil Moideen, finance director of Jotun, unveiled a fantastic backdrop that showed all tournament partners. Chief guest Kumar, accompanied by JSC team manager Zamir Kannur, released the fixtures. Speaking at the occasion Kumar wished JSC grand success not only in the YSL tournament but also in achieving JSC's 2025 vision. He also praised Jotun and all other sponsors of this tournament for supporting sports which is essential in life. Following the fixtures release, Jotun Marketing Manager Faisal Kareem unveiled the tournament trophies and Shygil Moideen released tournament jerseys for JSC teams handing them to JSC coaches Saleem P.R. and Iqbal. Jotun is the main partner of the JSC events this year. Sharing his thoughts on the JSC tournament partnership Kareem said: "We are pleased to partner JSC for YSL tournament as this will be a great platform for young players to showcase their talent at an international stage". Geepas Marketing Manager Shanavas released IISJ jerseys and handed them over to JSC coaches Zaheer P.R. and Anil. Geepas is also partnering JSC and sponsored a special prize for the launching ceremony. Other partners for this tournament include Mobil 1, Tamer, Sedco Holding, Applebee's, EFS Logistics, Trans Freight Projects & Logistics Co., Utlines Global Freight Solutions, Faisal S Al-Naimi, Saudia, Clear Vision, Splash Fashion, Jeddah National Hospital, Best Rent-a-Car and Trident Hotels. Ram Narayan Iyer, executive editor of Saudi Gazette, Mohammed Ali, managing director of Jeddah National Hospital (JNH) and Ahmed, head of Dunk Spanish Academy, spoke during the ceremony. Iyer, while appreciating the services of JSC toward community, specially for youngsters, said: "The interpersonal teamwork skills which we get from sports activities will contribute a lot to achieve objectives in our life." The whole program was anchored by Ismail Kallayi along with Reshma Basheer. The glittering function was capped by a melodious ‘Gazal Night' by prominent music artists of Jeddah.
