Latest news with #youthtournament
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
The rise of James Trafford: Insiders tell JACK GAUGHAN how the 'octopus' became a future England and Man City No 1 - and why Pep Guardiola paid £30m to bring him 'home'
Manchester City 's academy stars could have been mistaken for hugging each other along the Athens coastline. In reality, it wasn't nearly that friendly. On the beach, a 13-year-old James Trafford was teaching his team-mates how to Cumberland wrestle. Arms locked behind your opponent, chin resting on the shoulder. And go. Flip them into the Greek sand. Staff on that trip to the Elite Neon Cup youth tournament still talk about Trafford's clinic in the Mediterranean heat.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alex Ovechkin Still Has The Stick He Broke Gretzky's Record With, Set To Exhibit In Russia This Week
While back home in Russia for the final weeks of summer, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is using his time to give back and celebrate breaking Wayne Gretzky's record with fans, as the festivities are set to continue with his annual youth tournament, the Ovi Cup, on Saturday.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Wayne Rooney's 15-year-old son Kai helps Man United win opening game at Under-19 tournament – while 'Kid Messi' JJ Gabriel sees goal disallowed
Wayne Rooney's teenage son Kai has taken another impressive step in his fledgling football career by helping Manchester United's Under-19s begin their campaign at the Mladen Ramljak Tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna. The 15-year-old forward, who has been fast-tracked from United's Under-16s after impressing at last week's Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland, played against opponents up to four years older in Zagreb on Thursday afternoon. Kai, who can play either as a No 9 or out wide, featured in a United side that included a number of the club's most promising youth players – among them 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, the Nike-sponsored sensation nicknamed 'Kid Messi'. Gabriel thought he had added a second goal for the Red Devils late on, only for his effort to be ruled out. The only goal of the game came from captain Amir Ibragimov, who coolly converted a second-half penalty. Ibragimov also created United's best first-half opportunity, carrying the ball forward from midfield before slipping in Edward Fletcher, whose effort was saved from a tight angle. Goalkeeper Byrne-Hughes then made a crucial one-on-one save to keep the scores level just before the break. The match, played in sweltering conditions at Dinamo Zagreb's academy base, marked the first of three group-stage games for United at the prestigious youth tournament. They will face Juventus on Friday before meeting hosts Dinamo Zagreb – the defending champions – over the weekend. Kai Rooney's inclusion in the Under-19 squad is being seen as a significant vote of confidence in his long-term potential, having already caught the eye in Northern Ireland last week, where he scored and assisted as United's Under-16s reached the Super Cup NI final. His call-up to this tournament mirrors the path taken by his father, Wayne, who played in the same competition (then known as the Milk Cup) for Everton back in 2000. Wayne and Coleen Rooney were ever-present during last week's games, watching on with their younger sons Kit and Cass. The family also enjoyed a visit to Curry's Fun Park in Portrush, where they mingled with fans and staff. Speaking after the Super Cup NI, Rooney Sr said of Kai: 'He just plays, that's what he's always done. It's unfair to expect too much — he's only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well.' Kai joined United's academy in 2020 and has steadily progressed through the age groups. His playing style has drawn inevitable comparisons to his father, with coaches praising his movement, finishing, and ability to find space in the box. The Mladen Ramljak Tournament has become a regular stop for Man United's academy sides in recent years. Previous editions have featured future stars such as Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Eduardo Camavinga – underlining the calibre of opposition and the value of experience gained. Victory over Rapid gives United the perfect platform heading into Friday's clash with Juventus. The final will be held on Sunday between the winners of each four-team group.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Wayne Rooney's son Kai bumped up three age levels as he is named in Man United squad for international tournament featuring PSG
Wayne Rooney 's son Kai has taken a major step in his budding football career after earning a shock call-up to Manchester United 's Under-19 squad for the prestigious Mladen Ramljak Tournament in Croatia – despite being just 15 years old. The teenager, who can play either as a No 9 or out wide, has been promoted three age groups following his standout performances at the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland last week. Kai scored and assisted as United's Under-16s reached the final, losing narrowly to Southampton. Now, barely into his summer holidays, Kai is lining up against players up to four years older than him at one of Europe's top youth tournaments. The Mladen Ramljak Memorial, hosted in Zagreb by Croatian giants Dinamo, has become a magnet for scouts and elite academy sides – with previous editions featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Eduardo Camavinga. United have been drawn into Group A alongside Rapid Bucuresti, Juventus and Dinamo Zagreb – the defending champions. Kai and his young teammates kick off their campaign on Thursday against Rapid. The tournament concludes on Sunday with placement matches and a final between the group winners. Group B comprises Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk – all of whom are represented by their top youth squads. The Red Devils' decision to fast-track Kai into the squad is being seen as a vote of confidence in his long-term potential. United are also understood to have included a handful of other younger players from their U15 and U16 ranks. That includes 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, the Nike-signed prodigy dubbed 'Kid Messi ', who scored twice on his Under-18 debut against Leeds earlier this year. Kai's call-up comes off the back of a strong showing in the Super Cup NI. The tournament – formerly known as the Milk Cup – holds special significance for the Rooneys, with Wayne having played in it himself for Everton back in 2000. Wayne and wife Coleen were ever-present throughout the tournament, cheering from the stands alongside their younger sons Kit and Cass. They also took time out to enjoy the local attractions – including a visit to Curry's Fun Park in Portrush, where Wayne and his sons were spotted on the bumper cars. The couple posed for photos with staff and mingled with onlookers, drawing praise for their down-to-earth demeanour. After the final, Wayne posted a proud message on social media: 'Great few days in Coleraine for the SuperCupNI. Well done to Kai and the Manchester United lads on a brilliant effort throughout the tournament. Congratulations to Southampton on the win. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.' When asked about offering advice to his eldest son, Wayne said he prefers a hands-off approach. 'He just plays, that's what he's always done. It's unfair to expect too much — he's only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well.' Kai joined United's academy in 2020 at the age of 11 and has steadily worked his way through the youth ranks. His playing style draws natural comparisons to his father, while staff at United have praised his composure, movement off the ball, and eye for goal.
Daily Mail
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coleen Rooney and husband Wayne arrive to support their son Kai as his team Manchester United take on Glasgow Rangers in Northern Ireland
Coleen Rooney spent years in the stands supporting her husband Wayne throughout his illustrious football career, including his Manchester United heyday. And now it is the couple's turn to cheer on their eldest son Kai, 15, as he follows in his father's talented footsteps playing for the United U15s. Kai has been showing off his burgeoning football talent all season, with his latest match against Glasgow Rangers in the Super Cup NI, previously the Milk Cup. United beat Rangers 2-0 as they continue their trajectory towards the top of Group C of the Premier section. Both goals were scored by Abdoulaye Douka Nkoto. Manchester United have been sending a youth squad to the tournament for 40 years, with the team winning 3-0 win over West Cork Academy on Monday. One of the goals was scored by Kai, who has been making waves at the tournament as one of the younger players to watch for the future. Coleen travelled in style, wearing a chic black jacket with black trousers and accessorising with a cross body quilted Chanel bag. She also lugged a big black tote bag full of her belongings on her shoulder as they jumped out of a 4x4 at the Showgrounds to watch their son play. The couple were joined by their youngest son Cass, seven. It is not known if either of the other boys, Kit, nine, or Klay, 12, were with them. The trip to Northern Ireland comes after Coleen, who has previously revealed her down to earth holiday tastes such as Butlin's, attended Together Again Festival with three of her sons at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire. The family enjoyed performances from Olly Murs, Jamie Webster and Dizzee Rascal, with Coleen seen singing away in the audience. Sharing a series of photos to Instagram on Monday, she gave an insight into their festival fun, where weekend tickets cost £199. In a series of snaps where the family posed with Jamie Website, she wrote: 'Thank you for looking after us Together Again Fest… fantastic set up!! 'And thanks for the photos and lovely to finally meet you Jamie Webster…. Kids had a ball. The trip to Northern Ireland comes after Coleen, who has previously revealed her down to earth holiday tastes such as Butlin's, attended Together Festival with three of her sons at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire Elsewhere, Coleen's earnings have soared amid her huge TV projects as she looks set to become her family's 'main breadwinner '. The WAG reportedly boasts a net worth of £15million, with her hubby thought to be worth an enormous £170million thanks to his Premier League footballing days. But in the new phase of their lives, Coleen could be set to take over as the main breadwinner as her popularity soars. Amid her skyrocketing fame following her hugely successful I'm A Celeb stint, Disney announced on Monday a new premium access series titled The Rooneys focusing on her and Wayne's life. Thanks to her ventures, new figures for her firm, CWR 2021, up to September 2024 show the booming business already had £580,000 banked - and that was before I'm A Celeb and her Disney deal. Meanwhile former manager of Plymouth Arsenal Wayne was reportedly making £500,000, before leaving the club in December.
