by Jeff King
The continuing story of the Park View Academy of Football and Chester-le-Street United alliance has once again born fruit for one of its exciting youngsters.
Abdullah Alawahdi who was part of the Chester squad who finished second in the Wearside League Division One and won the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup has agreed a three-year professional to play in his home country of Kuwait.
The talented and speedy forward was called up by his national squad at under-20 level just before December last year and flew out to Iraq to compete in an international tournament. On return to Chester, he did struggle for game time through injury but regained full fitness just before the end of the season.
His last two goals for United came in the 13 – 0 demolition of Annfield Plain in the penultimate game of the season raising his tally for the season to an impressive 14 in all competitions. This kind of form coupled with his inclusion in the National set-up obviously caught the eye.
Now, after coming to the end of his time at Park View Academy, Abdullah has gone full circle and back to the side in Kuwait that gave him an opportunity to spread his wings at the beginning of his footballing journey.
After starting his career at Al Qadsiah SC and following spells in France, Spain and of course England he now finds himself on the way back to Al Qadsiah SC to sign a three-year professional contract.
Al Qadsiah are one of the most famous Club sides in Kuwait and play in the Kuwaiti Premier League. Formed in 1953 as Al-Jazira they changed their name to their current one in 1960. They have won the Championship in the top division no less than 17 times, a record for the country’s competition.
Playing in the Mohammed Al-Hamad Stadium which is the third biggest in the country and can hold up to 26,000 spectators they finished 5th in last season’s Premiership campaign. Abdullah really is returning home in a dream move that he’s delighted to accept.
Abdullah becomes the third player since the formation of Chester-le-Street United to turn professional. Michael Spellman has just signed for Sunderland AFC and Harrison Clark signed for Scottish Premier League side Livingston last summer and has had his contract renewed for next season.
Add in Cameron Brewis, last season’s top scorer for United, who is currently in Australia on trial with professional outfit Moreland Zebras of Melbourne and it shows the success of the project and system established between Park View Academy and Chester-le-Street United.
As for Abdullah, everyone is sad to see him depart these shores but all at Park View Academy and Chester-le-Street United wish him the best of luck as he continues his journey up the football ladder.
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