The Dusseldorf Panthers have become the first winners of the Arabian Gridiron Invitational, an Under 17 tournament hosted by Emirates Americal Football League (EAFL) team EAFL Falcons at the The Sevens in Dubai.
Despite seeing his team suffer two defeats, to Dusseldorf and Team Russia, the Falcons coach, Patrick Campos, is upbeat about the future.
“It’s the first time this group of players has played together, and so we learnt a lot,” he said. “The spirit, heart and intensity they showed makes me proud. Our players never backed down, they played extremely hard. We’re disappointed but we’ll pick ourselves up ready to face off against the Panthers again in a week’s time, with two more matches in Germany.”
The Falcons’ first game was against Dusseldorf, a team coming off an unbeaten, championship-winning domestic season. The first quarter ended with the home team leading 8-6, but turnovers at key moments and a powerful offensive display saw the visitors accumulate 20 points in the second quarter, before running out 39-8 winners.
The Panthers followed up the win with a 7-6 success over Team Russia.
“I was here last year with the Under 15 team and we noticed how much the EAFL Falcons had progressed,” said Michael Wevelsiep, the Dusseldorf coach.
“Although our team was the best in this tournament it is not important for this programme. All kids learn and we are proud that we are a part of this tournament.
“It’s great to be here in the UAE, and the weather conditions are good.”
The final match saw the Falcons go up against Team Russia and once again turnovers proved their downfall as they conceded touchdowns in each quarter on the way to a 33-6 defeat.
“Before this tournament, during training camp, we concentrated on a strong running game and we were able to execute that in this tournament,” said Team Russia coach Maksim Osokin. “We enjoyed our experience here. We like the tournament and the organisation was good, and we are planning to come again next year.”
Dustin Cherniawski, general manager of the EAFL, said: “It’s very exciting to have hosted our first multinational tournament, but what’s better is the momentum behind this event and the entire Falcons youth programme. Patrick and his staff have put together a programme that is not only the best in the region but is gaining global recognition.”
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