THE INAUGURAL Academy of Champions adult five-a-side indoor league got off to an exciting start at the TDS Leisure Centre in Mount Pleasant on Saturday.
The initiative has long-term aims of growing and providing competitive football for people of all ages from across the town and beyond.
Established from humble roots by the now nationally renowned Redditch Cup of Champions organising team, the aim is to encourage Individuals from all backgrounds and of all fitness levels to get involved in football and give them an opportunity to keep fit with short high-intensity matches against competitive opposition.
Teams participate in eight, 7.5-minute matches across a 90-minute period every week. Where the league differentiates from others is that you do not have to be a team to participate, as you can be an individual seeking to get involved.
The structure of the league will ensure there is an opportunity for you to get involved. The league currently has three teams in the adults league and four in their under 21 league.
The Resistance top table after opening week as Basharat shines
Raheem Basharat enhanced his growing reputation in bagging nine goals on the opening weekend as his team The Resistance took the early initiative to top the adults league with 13 points.
He was ably supported by captain Rashed Ahmed as together they helped their team to four wins.
United Redditch sit second with 11 points. After a slow start in their early games, they remained calm and eventually found some good combinations to build from as Tyler Reece showed the way with seven well taken goals and team-mate Sumaan Ahmed displayed some outstanding composure and neat footwork when under pressure.
Tiki Taka currently sit third with ten points, although the magic of captain Yassar Mahmood was on display again as he scored nine goals and the shot-stopping of Naveed Akhtar in goal was another early positive for them in week one.
The organisers of this initiative are looking for sponsors for both leagues. Anyone interested should contact 07867 755556.
Organisers have ambitious plans including a local tournament for local businesses in the future if all bodes well.
A spokesman said after an excellent first week: “The adults league has begun with real pace and the competitive edge is clear to see. It was a great start for everyone and the difference between the teams is very small, which makes for an exciting prospect going forward.
“We hope this initial six-week trial proves successful so we can continue to grow the initiative and start increasing the numbers of participants in both of our leagues.
“The under 21 league, run on Saturday evenings, is now in its sixth week and is going well, so we are hoping we can continue this momentum.”
