AUC athletes continue training for next season … at home

By: Adham Ouda
@Adham11o

AUC soccer athletes have had their season stopped short indefinitely due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus, head coach Abdel Nasser Soliman told The Caravan.

All local and international tournaments and team training have been canceled, he said, adding that he had been looking forward to some of the tournaments in which AUC usually participates.

AUC’s precautions to keep the campus free of persons, the start of online learning through Zoom and other apps, and the continuing of summer courses virtually has also meant that all athletes have had to stay at home.

This led to athletes making use of their time at home to prepare for the upcoming season.

AUC athletes are now facing a major struggle to keep in shape as well as train. The quarantine has dealt a heavy blow to the AUC Eagles soccer team who drew 3-3 in the last game before the stay-at-home guidelines.

The Eagles had been preparing for an international soccer tournament in Greece when they were told to stay at home.

“All international sporting events have been cancelled.” said Assistant Athletic Director Mohamed Arafa.

“This virus damaged the sports seasons all over the world and we hope it will end as soon as possible.”

Eagles player and senior Youssef Tarek said he is “sad and disappointed that the season is over” and that he will not be “able to compete nationally and internationally and represent the university”.

He was excited to complete the season and play in one of the most famous soccer tournaments in the international universities region in the international sports tournament.

However, the Eagles now are hunkering down to prepare for next semester and off-season training.

“Every player is on their own schedule to try and become good players and advance their skills,” Tarek added.

The lockdown has affected all AUC teams competing in sports such as American football, basketball, rugby, squash and volleyball.