Teams ready for start of inaugural edition of FBMA GCC Volleyball Cup for Ladies

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) GCC Volleyball Cup for Ladies tournament will kick off on with six teams from the region set to take part in the first edition.

FBMA Team, Al Wasl Club and Sharjah Ladies Club – all from the UAE will be joined by Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Noura Club, Kuwait’s Salwa Al Sabah and Bahrain Club for the competition that will be held at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The staging of the tournament is part of FBMA’s on-going efforts to develop and nurture local talent, provide regular opportunities and attract new audiences to take up the game.

Fatima Al Ameri of Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, said: “With one day to go, we look forward to hosting the FBMA GCC Volleyball Cup for Ladies as it gives a chance for aspiring and the best volleyball players across the region to test themselves in a competitive environment.

“Every element of the tournament has been carefully organised to ensure it is played of the ­highest standard and all the six teams have prepared well to give their best in this competition and are keen to play their part in making this event a success.

“We wish them the best of luck and we are confident that we will witness some enthralling volleyball matches and individual performances throughout the event.”

Taking place until Wednesday, the six-day GCC Volleyball Cup will see the sides split into two groups with the pool matches being played between Friday and Sunday.

Drawn in Group A are: Salwa Al Sabah, Bahrain Club and Sharjah Ladies Club while Group B consists of Al Wasl Club, Saudi Noura Club and FBMA Team.  Salwa Al Sabha’s match against Sharjah Ladies Club will open the proceedings on Friday at 16:00 followed by the contest between FBMA Team and Saudi Noura Club at 18:30.

The top two sides of each group will qualify for the semi-finals with the team being crowned champions on August 31.

Ahead of the start of the GCC Volleyball Cup, all six teams attended a technical meeting in which tournament officials explained the format and playing rules of the competition.