Northampton and London Arsenal Soccer Schools crowned champions

On Saturday 21st May 2011 Arsenal Soccer Schools held the annual 3v3 World Cup on the pitch at Emirates Stadium.  The tournament, now in its fourth year, saw 160 children from seven countries including Bahrain, Oman, Morocco, Greece and Cyprus, and 12 regions across the UK, travel to north London to compete in the Under-9 and Under-11 3v3 competitions. 

The children who comprised the 40 teams in the tournament were selected from those attending Arsenal Soccer Schools in their local areas during the Easter holidays.  The teams were divided into two age groups – Under-9s and Under-11s, with each side participating in a group stage against four other teams before knock out rounds and a final crowned winners at both age levels.

In the U-9 category the Northampton and and Kent Arsenal Soccer Schools competed in a toughly fought final, which finished 2-2.  Scoring the first goal of the game though secured the Arsenal Soccer Schools team from Northampton victory over last year's champions.

In the U-11s final, Arsenal Soccer Schools London took on their Greek counterparts in a crowd pleasing match up which saw the local London side come out on top, 3-1.

As if winning an international tournament on the hallowed Arsenal turf weren’t enough, the champions will be invited to a match at Emirates Stadium in the coming season, to be presented with their trophies pitchside.

Arsenal Soccer Schools Co-ordinator and 3 v 3 event organiser,  Andrew Douglas, said: "We"re delighted that we were once again able to provide an opportunity for children who attend our soccer schools across the world to play on the pitch at Emirates Stadium. The tournament was, as you would expect, very competitive but it was also great fun for the participants and their friends and family who came along to support the teams.  We'd like to thank everyone for their involvement."