SSS Football Tournament: The Results

The run-up to the UAE’s most anticipated 5-a-side football tournament was unprecedented as the weekend of the competition grew closer and closer. A grueling day of football action filled with intense back-to-back games to determine the ultimate winner was held on Friday the 15^th of July. And after a full day on the pitch, we finally have our champion. Let’s get to that in a bit.

Over 180 teams were present at the tournament in Koora Dome, Oud Metha. Competing against one another on a total of 3 pitches, teams fought for possession, pride and of course, the grand prize! The stage was set, the bleachers were ready and the audience cheered on as teams played to their full potential. To motivate the teams beyond the pitch, Sun & Sand Sports had arranged a wall to display each team’s crest which team signed to show their commitment to challenge the best of the best.

Each team wore personalised jerseys from Sun & Sand Sports with their names printed on the back for a complete authentic package. DJ Melt was at the venue playing adrenaline thumping music to keep the players energised and the audiences entertained – and while the hits kept playing, the Playstation gaming zone with FIFA and foosball tables were on site for people to play as they relaxed and recharged between matches.

The on-site crew was hardworking and determined to provide the players with everything they needed and to ensure that everyone was informed of the rules, the qualifications and the eliminations. Each team was assigned a team liaison officer and every pitch had dedicated referees. Even announcements were made from time to time to ensure that everyone – from the players to the audience, was kept completely updated on events of the day.

By the end of the day, the fierce competition only ramped up, exhausting most players along the way. Lucky for them, Sun & Sand Sports had stocked the place with iceboxes filled with water and Pocari Sweat to refresh and rejuvenate the mental and physical state of the players and even the audience. A Bio-Bean food truck was on-site, providing delicious snacks and meals for all. The players themselves had a great time at the tournament. Ali Jaan (from AS Roma Academy) playing for Team Kings said, “The tournament was very good and we enjoyed it thoroughly – even though there were a lot of teams: around 180. I’m playing for the AS Roma Academy here in Dubai and I’m the captain so I hope to return and try my best the next time.”

A tournament of successes and heartbreaks, when the curtains finally closed on the event, just one team walked out victorious: Team Abu Dhabi. They took the battleground and showed everyone what they were truly made of. A well-deserved victory for Team Abu Dhabi as we congratulate the winners of the first football tournament hosted by SSS. We’d also like to thank every participant that took the time out to compete in this intensive football event!

If you’re a football fan then you should check out the Sun & Sand Sports football selection for all your gear – everything’s a simple click away! You can also read up on the origins of the football boot and its evolution through history in our interactive timeline.

SSS FOOTBALL

HISTORY OF THE FOOTBALL BOOT