Veterans Shield Football Tournament Takes Center Stage In Abuja

The maiden edition of the FCT Veterans Shield Football Tournament organized by Jotini Sports Services and endorsed by FCT Football Association and FCT Coaches Association is set to kick off next weekend at the FCT Sports Complex, Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

Six out of the eight teams have passed the Age Verification Screening conducted by the Local Organizing Committee to ensure that only players who has attained or will attain the age of 40years on or before 31st December, 2015 participate in the tournament.

“We will rather play the six teams instead of compromising the set rules and regulations of the tournament,” LOC Chairman, Umar Giwa Platini explains. "Some of the teams have only 18 players passing the screening and they have to make use of that. We have a very good understanding with the leadership of FCT Referees Council, and by the grace of God, teams will enjoy quality officiating.”

The beauty of the tournament is that goal scoring has been encouraged as teams will get additional point if it scores more than three goals in a match. The nine day football tournament which is organize for ex-pros and veterans will have FCT Coaches Association - Garki, Aleita All Stars FC – Airport Road and Durumi All Stars FC - Durumi compete in the Group A while Cooperate Soccer Stars FC - Area 11, Keffi All Stars FC – Keffi and Bwari All Stars FC – Bwari will compete in Group B.

The champions of the tournament will aside the Tournament’s Trophy and Medals will also take half a million as the prize money and have the opportunity to pay 50% of the registration fees of the next edition.