More than 100 children took part in the latest stage of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank’s Future Champions League competition at Sharjah Football Club.

Children aged 10-16 years from schools in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah competed in the competition, which began in Abu Dhabi last year but has now been extended to other emirates from this year.

Declan Cullinan, from RAK Academy, commented, “We’ve travelled from Ras Al Khaimah today to take part in this fantastic tournament organised by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. The children just love playing football, and this is the first time that they’ve had the chance to play in a competitive tournament.”

The tournament sees teams compete in different qualifying legs, each hosted by leading Arabian Gulf League clubs.

The two best-placed teams from the under-12s, under-14s and under-16s advance to next month’s finals day.

Over 700 children have already played at Al Wahda, Al Jazira, and Al Ahli, with the last qualifying to be held in Dubai later this month.

Al Kamal Private School (U12), Al Noor International School (U14), and Al Noor International School (U16) were the winners in Sharjah.

Each child that plays in the tournament receives a free ADIB account with zero balance, a free Darhoom card, and a bonus of Dh50 from ADIB, upon opening the account.