The 2019 Lebanese youth championship will kick off at the weekend, with nine teams from Tripoli and Beirut involved. Officially known as Scholastic Rugby League, the northern tournament includes the under-18s teams from Tripoli RLFC and El Mina RLFC, part of the Lebanese Rugby League Federation’s strategy to create genuine clubs with depth – with youth programmes the most significant part of that depth.
In Mount Lebanon, the territory that includes Beirut, the nation’s capital, St Joseph’s, Antonin International, Notre Dame and Dhour Shweir schools are all involved in the six-round competition that will end with an April final. St Joseph’s have won the title four times, including the last three and will enter the competition as favourites.
Gaby Haddad, Mt Lebanon Development Officer, said: “I’m very happy that we have new schools wanting to involve more games in their curriculum. Dhour Shweir Secondary school is the newest team to join the LRLF family in Mount Lebanon. Hopefully they get a great experience in this season’s SRL championship.”
The champions of Mt Lebanon will play the northern group winners for the title of Lebanese champions. In addition to the two clubs, Sheikh Khalil Hussein Institute, Kfarhazir English School and Amioun Institute are participating. The teams will play each other once before the play-offs.
Mohamad Mohsen, North Lebanon Development Officer, said: “last season’s competition was a success. All players recognised the importance of rugby league and were extremely excited about learning the game. We had a historic final between youth clubs which was won by Tripoli RLFC over El Mina RLFC 32-30. This season the numbers have gone up as the game is getting more recognition and players are more excited and willing to learn more. The only way is up from here as we develop our youth in North Lebanon.”
Sheikh Khalil plays Amioun on Friday, while on Saturday St Joseph’s face Antonin while Notre Dame and Dour Shweir complete the fixtures.
