The Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery is once again organising the Christmas football tournament between 26 and 30 December.

This is the 17th year that the Birkirkara Nursery is organising such a tournament which has now established itself as one of the most important tournaments in youth football. More than 300 boys from 12 nurseries will be participating in this year’s tournament.

The draws for the 17th Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery Christmas tournament were held at the nursery premises recently.

After an introductory speech, Nursery Chairman Henry Bray stated that it is a great honour for Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery to organise its 17th Christmas tournament.

He emphasized the importance of fair play during these five days of the tournament. The tournament should be a football festival, delegates, parents and coaches should not exert extra pressure on the players. Henry Bray thanked the Birkirkara Local Council, Eurosport, Italgreen, All Sports International and Gatorade the sponsors of the tournament.

The draw was attended by Nurseries delegates. Ten teams will be taking part in the Under 13 and eight teams in the Under 11 categories.

The draws are as follows:

Under 13:

Group A: Paola Hibs , San Gwann FC, St. Patrick FC, Pieta H. and Hamrun S.

Group B: St. Andrews, Birkirkara FC, Floriana FC, Valletta and St. George’s

Under 11:

Group 1: Rabat Depiro, Hamrun S., Pieta H. and St. Andrews

Group 2: Birkirkara FC, San Gwann FC, Naxxar L. and Paola Hibs

The tournament kicks off on December 26 at 9am. There will be a march past by all the participating nurseries from the St. Mary Parish Church on Boxing Day at 7pm accompanied by St. Helen’s Band. A spectacular opening ceremony will follow at the Infetti Training Grounds.

Albinoleffe’s serie B player Gabriele Perico will be the guest of honour for this tournament.