JEDDAH — A colorful ceremony kicked off Jeddah Sports Club (JSC) Soccer Academy's new season in style at Dunk Ground, near Ikea, here recently. The jersey sponsored by Mobil1 was unveiled at the function by APSCO General Manager Khaled Al-Tayeb. He promised more support from Mobil1 in the coming season. Ram Narayanan, Executive Editor of Saudi Gazette, suggested that boys from the academy should play more with Saudi clubs to improve their skills and assess their progress. Nishad, Electa Group GM; Hifzurahman, Saudi Indian Football Forum (SIFF) President; and T.P. Ahmed, Former president of SIFF, also spoke on the occasion. Khaleel Abdurahman was awarded the prize for last season's Best Trainee. Trainees who were selected for different school teams in Jeddah were also felicitated. Trainees Khaleel Abdurrahman and Basil Basheer were the anchors. In the friendly match played later, JSC-XI drew with Royal Ruwais 1-1. The other friendly between JSC trainees also ended in a draw (2-2). Selection trials for the new batch of trainees were organized last week. Chief coach P.R. Saleem headed the selection panel. Coaches Muhammed Haneefa, Iqbal Muhammad, former junior Indian goalkeeper Omar, Dr. Safarullah and Basheer Machingal were the members.
