APL

Balkh hosted the 2015 Roshan Afghan Premier League (RAPL) northern regional tournament for four days from May 13th to 16th,where the participating provinces included: Balkh, Jawzjan, Samangan, Sare Pul, and Faryab. The selections for the top 26 players of Simorgh Alborz took place during intense rounds of competitions in the Mazar Football Stadium between six teams. Balkh provided more players than the other provinces, as two of its teams participated in this tournament.

Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) officials assisted the Tajik coach of the team, Sulaymon Bobokalanov, with the selection process announcing the final list of players on May 27th. 
The northern regional tournament hosted many young RAPL football hopefuls. Continuing the trend from other tournaments in 2015, where the players are much younger in age compared to previous RAPL seasons. This makes them better potential candidates to join the ranks of the Afghanistan National Team and stay there for a longer period of time. This will also give the national team longer time to develop and provide trainings for these players. 
Simorgh Alborz is one of the top teams in the RAPL this seasons and remains a serious competitor for the championship title in 2015. They captured the first ever Nawroz Cup this past March, defeating defending RAPL champion Shaheen Asmayee in the final. The thrill, excitement, and chants of football fans in the stadium are a glimpse of what to expect in the Main Event, but on a much larger scale.
The RAPL regional tournaments are good reminders of how sports can bring happiness and joy to local communities across Afghanistan.