Cheers to a good tourney (The Malay Mail)

ANY TIME is a bad time for Malaysian youth soccer players to have a drink.
And with the World Youth Cup tournament so close, they would be in for a
sack from the team or a ban from the game if caught with a pint.
But for the English youths currently in Johor Baru for their group
matches, it's no big deal.
The players are often seen at their hotel's drinking hole until closing
time.
And occasionally, team officials and even manager Ted Powell despite
being a tee-totaller join the lot.
Powell, when asked on the rules the players have to observe, said: "Our
rules were laid down after discussions with the players and the other team
officials.
"The players are all professionals and know what is required of them. To
treat them like children will not be wise.
"We emphasise strict discipline in training, including punctuality and
general discipline.
"The players understand my requirements and respond positively and we
have had no problems," said Powell.
Amazingly, the players are all on time for training despite closing the
pub the night before - and they do well, too!
The players, who are all members of the English league's youth teams or
senior teams, act maturely and responsibly.
Their Asian counterparts, on the other hand, are closely guarded, often
with curfews imposed.
But a comparison between Malaysian players and English players in this
respect will mean little because of the cultural bias.
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