On Saturday 5th March 2016, London APSA boys traveled to Bethnal Green to take part in the annual 5 a side competition the Bethnal Green Youth Tournament.
The day saw 16 youth teams from across Newham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney take part and over 100 young people participating.
APSA only one of 2 Newham teams in the tournament reached the final against All Stars Hackney. They were drawn in Group A along with; Elite FC, Juva FC, Bethnal Green Lions, Weavers FC, Clayahll Youth and Shoreditch United. London APSA finished undefeated in the group of 8 with convincing wins and qualified for the semi final against East London Ballers FC.
In a closely contested semi final, APSA run out as 1-0 winners with captain Akram Miah getting the decisive goal late in the game, after being played through by Taher Mahmood, the youngster finished off after being 1 on 1 with the East London Baller's goal keeper.
The Manor Park youngsters were now battling it out in the final against a very strong All Stars Hackney side watched on by many locals and teams, as the final started APSA were attacking quick and created the early chances but fell behind when they didn't track back to defend and the Hackney boys took full advantage and gave their team the 1-0 lead. All Stars Hackney were ahead and tried to see out the the final but APSA applied more and more pressure with their attacking football and tried to get an equalizer but were denied on several occasions by the Hackney keeper.
There was only one minute of the final remaining and APSA through everything at the Hackney defence, Osman Rahman played the ball into his captain Akram Miah and after not being closed down the in form winger took a shot which hit the post and went in. it was 1-1 and only seconds remaining but APSA keeper Shafiiq Shipkoylee rolled the ball into Akram Miah who paced through the Hackney players and scored a wonder goal which was the last kick of the game. London APSA run out 2-1 winners and were crowned champions of the Bethnal Green Youth Tournament.
As players were receiving their winners trophies Manager Hafiz Ahmed expressed how pleased he was with his teams current form and consistency; 'I think playing in these tournaments are very important for the players development, it was a long day for our boys waking up early in the morning and travelling all the way from Manor Park but it was worth it in the end, we played almost 10 games today and the boys worked really hard and deserved to win'.
