U16: the first session, in pictures.

Thirty-four boys. One whistle. A pitch still warm from the Asr prayer call. The U16s got their first session in club colours on Wednesday evening, and by the end of the hour and forty, the coaching staff had a clearer picture of the cohort.

One of the academy coaches put it simply: “You can coach fitness. You can coach technique. The first thing you look for is attitude when the drill doesn't go your way. We saw a lot of good attitude tonight.”

Next session: Monday at 17:30. Wednesday sessions at 16:45 for the duration of daylight-saving.