Three international clubs emerged victorious at the recently concluded 2024 Mina Cup, held at the Jebel Ali Golf and Shooting Club and Resort in Dubai. Norwich City, Newcastle United, and Melbourne City all claimed top honors in their respective age categories, showcasing their developing talent on the global stage.
Norwich City's U12 squad put on a dominant display, defeating local side Fursan Hispania 2-0 in the final. The young Canaries displayed a strong understanding of the game, controlling possession and converting their chances efficiently. Their victory over Fursan Hispania capped off a successful tournament for the Norwich youngsters.
In the U13 age group, Newcastle United emerged triumphant after a thrilling encounter with Chicago Fire. The match remained deadlocked after regular time, sending the game to a penalty shootout. The young Magpies held their nerve from the spot, converting five penalties to Chicago Fire's four to secure the title. Newcastle's win highlighted their resilience and composure under pressure.
Melbourne City's U14 team also enjoyed a memorable tournament, defeating Atlas FC 2-1 in the final. The Australian outfit showcased their attacking prowess throughout the competition, and their triumph in Dubai served as a testament to their well-honed skills and teamwork.
While the international sides stole the spotlight, local teams also impressed at the Mina Cup. Forza FC emerged victorious in the U15 category, edging out Dubai City FC 2-1 in a closely contested final. Barcelona Academy Dubai continued their strong showing in the region by claiming the U16 title with a win over Dubai City FC. Their success highlighted the development of youth football talent within the UAE.
The 2024 Mina Cup proved to be a valuable platform for young footballers from across the globe to showcase their abilities and compete against high-quality opposition. The international flavor of the tournament provided a unique experience for the participants, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the beautiful game on a global scale. The success of Norwich City, Newcastle United, and Melbourne City served as a springboard for their youth development programs, while the strong performances of local teams like Forza FC and Barcelona Academy Dubai underlined the UAE's commitment to nurturing its future football stars.