Brief
History
In
1949, at the age of 16, the late Youra Eshaya joined the Employees Soccer
Team in Habbanniah where he gained great experience playing with the great
Aram Karam and making one of the best duos with Ammo Baba.
In
1953, he left for Britain after being scouted by Bristol Rovers of England.
After
returning to Iraq in 1955, he joined the Iraqi Air Force Soccer Team and
in time he was on the Iraqi National Team. He stayed with the Air Force
Team until 1971 when he retired from playing. He was mostly known for his
play making talent, speed and incredible stamina.
His
great career with Assyrian and non Assyrian teams was highlighted with
over 75 international games.
Early
History
Youra
was born in Iran in 1933 to Eshaya Pera and Batishwa Benyamin. The family
moved to Iraq in mid 1930s and settled in Maharatha Lines in Hinaidi, where
Youra's father found work in a NAAFI canteen. In 1937 the family then moved
to Habbaniya along with the rest of the Hinaidi Assyrian and Armenian civilians
and the Assyrian Levies employed by the Royal Air Force.
When
Youra was of age to begin his schooling at the late Raabi Yacoub's
R.A.F. Union School, he also started kicking a tennis ball around and playing
"football" with his schoolmates and the neighborhood kids. The boy had
much love and energy for the game, and hardly was he into his teens when
observant eyes began to notice him.
|