DUBAI // A youth football competition that saw thousands of children take part will now become an annual fixture in the emirate’s sports calendar.
Dubai Sports Council and management consultants Inspiratus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the tournament to continue for another five years.
The inaugural event this year saw 2,000 children and 100 teams from 50 public and private schools in Dubai take part over several weeks.
The winning teams from the four age categories will now get the chance to watch Premier League champions Manchester United play at their home ground, Old Trafford.
“The tournament has far exceeded our expectations and vision to bring the Dubai youth community together and help nurture in our youth qualities that are key to their future development, namely leadership, humility, collaboration and adaptability,” said Hussein Murad, Dubai Schools Football Cup president and chief executive of Inspiratus.
“We had to find a way to make it permanent and I am so proud that we were able to now have the tournament on an annual basis.”
The tournament was played on the grounds of Dubai Sports City under the watchful eye of former Real Madrid player Michel Salgado, the director of the competition.
The cup was also organised with Dubai Education Zone and the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health.
“The Dubai Schools Football Cup has set the bar high for youth sports in Dubai,” said Ahmed Al Sharif, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council.
“The MOU we signed today with our partners Inspiratus reflects the Dubai Sports Council’s commitment to the development of a distinguished sporting community in Dubai.
“It also offers a world-class opportunity for our youth to develop their sporting talents and aptitudes, while fostering a love of physical activity, which is an important step to the development of a healthy lifestyle.”
The grand prize for the winning teams – under 16s boys’ champions Lycee Francais International George Pompidou, under 13s boys’ champions Dubai National School, and St Mary’s Catholic School, which won both the girls’ under 16s and under 13s tournaments – will be a flight to the UK on an all-expenses paid trip in April.
Their two-day excursion will include a special training clinic with Manchester United coaches at Old Trafford training ground.
The following day, they will attend a Premier League match at Old Trafford.
For more information visit www.dubaischoolsfc.com
nhanif@thenational.ae
