Accra, April 20, GNA - Division One campaigners Bechem United FC are scheduled to participate in 24th edition of the Trofeo Rocco Nero Tournament billed for Italy.

Sixteen youth clubs drawn from across the world will be participating in the tourney, one of the biggest in Europe, from April 24 to May 1 in Venezia, Citta di Gradisca. Mr Oliver Arthur, Chief Coordinating Officer of Atlas Sports Management, whose flagship product is the Division One club, told the media at a press briefing on Monday that the team is expected to leave for Italy on Thursday, April 23.

He added that preparations have reached an advanced level towards the team's participation in the 8-day competition. Mr Arthur said some of the clubs include Udinese, Napoli, Deportivo, Borrusia Dortmund and Atlas from Morocco. He also commended the Club's bankroller, Kingsley Owusu Achiaw for his tremendous support towards the Club's activities. The Coordinating Officer also outlined some of the projects of Atlas Sports Management, which he said included Atlas Classic Tournament where exceptional players are selected for the club, Bechem United. Bechem United currently occupy the top spot of Zone 1A, which he believes is in line with their ambitions of qualifying for the Premier League next season.

Mr Welbeck Abrah-Appiah, Chairman of the Premier League Board (PLB) commended the Management of the Club for its foresight and urged them to maintain their focus. This will be the third tourney Bechem United will be participating in Italy in recent times after the Trofeo Karol Wojtyla and Trofeo Romeo and Juliet events.

Ashantigold, formerly Goldfields SC is the only Ghanaian winner of the Trofeo Rocco Nero, in 1997, since its inception in 1986. Brazilian side, Atletico Mineiro is the defending champion.