Lilongwe-based Ascent Soccer Academy Under-16 girls and Under-14 boys teams yesterday left for Europe to participate in youth football tournaments in Sweden and Iceland.
The teams will take part in the Rey Cup in Iceland before travelling to Sweden for the Gothia Cup.
| Courtesy of Ascent Soccer Academy
This will be Ascent’s fourth appearance at the Rey Cup, having previously competed in the tournament three times and won the competition in 2023.
In a statement, the academy thanked the Icelandic Embassy for supporting the trip.
Reads the statement: “A huge thank you to the Icelandic Embassy for their support and generosity as our students travel to Europe.
“Our boys’ and girls’ teams will be competing in the Gothia Cup and Rey Cup and will look to build on their successes from previous years on the continent.”
Ascent Soccer Academy director Thom Nkorongo said the tournaments provide a unique platform for young players to showcase their talent before European scouts and clubs.
He said: “These tournaments are more than just competitions. They are an opportunity for our players to test themselves against some of the best young talent in the world while also gaining exposure to the European football market.
“Over the years, we have witnessed such tournaments opening doors for our players. Scouts and clubs attend these events looking for talent and we want our boys and girls to seize that opportunity.”
Nkorongo said the academy’s success stories demonstrate the value of competing in Europe.
Some of the academy’s graduates such as Rose Kabzere, who is now playing professionally in France, Faith Chinzimu in Sweden and Mwisho Mhango in Germany all benefited from the exposure at the international youth tournaments.
“We believe this year’s group has the quality to follow in their footsteps and continue putting Malawi on the map,” said Nkorongo.
