- Twelve teams from around the world will compete on the pitch at Old Trafford in Manchester UK
Standing, from left to right: Adrian Attard, Beppe Pace, Norbert Vella; squatting, from left to right: Matt Debono, Beppe Antignolo, Martin Sammut, Roberto Micallef
Recreational football players from Hacienda Bar will depart tomorrow for the 2009 Budweiser Cup international finals, scheduled for 25th May 2009 at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United in Manchester, UK. The tournament provides players from around the world the opportunity to live their football dreams by competing on the pitch at Manchester United’s legendary “Theatre of Dreams.”
The Hacienda Bar Budweiser Cup team includes: Norbert Vella as the team manager, Beppe Pace, Beppe Antignolo, Matthew Debono, Dirk Debono, Adrian Attard, Roberto Micallef, Martin Sammut and Andrea Zammit Tabona.
“Emerging from the Players’ Tunnel and playing on the pitch at Old Trafford is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Norbert Vella, Team Manager. For Norbert, this is the second time that he is part of the Budweiser Cup winning team. “We are thrilled to be representing Malta in the Budweiser Cup and hope to bring the championship home with us.”
The Budweiser Cup began with regional qualifying tournaments in 12 countries. The winning teams from the national events qualified for the Budweiser Cup international finals. Participating countries include Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Dubai, India, Ireland, Malta, Qatar, Sweden and Vietnam.
In addition to the excitement of competing against teams from around the world, Budweiser Cup finalists will experience some of the comforts associated with being football superstars. The team has been given round-trip airline tickets and hotel accommodations. During the tournament weekend, participants will prepare at the Manchester United training facilities, receive an exclusive tour of Old Trafford and meet Manchester United legends.
During the championship rounds, teams play 20-minute games on quarter-sized fields under the six-on-six format. Six players are able to play at a time and teams can have up to eight players on their rosters, allowing for substitutions throughout the game.
“Hacienda Bar team worked extremely hard to earn their spot in the Budweiser Cup and we wish them the best of luck at Old Trafford,” said Ms Claudia Attard, Budweiser Brand Executive. “In addition to representing their country on a world-famous pitch, players get to meet fellow football players from around the globe. Win or lose, it is an experience they will never forget.”
Budweiser is a proud supporter of the Premier League and Manchester United football club. Budweiser has also been the official beer sponsor of the FIFA World CupTM since 1986, continuing in 2010 and 2014.