ABU DHABI // The Fifa Club World Cup Football village opened yesterday on the capital's Corniche, giving fans a taste of what they can expect when Club World Cup starts next month.
The village's main attraction is called the Etisalat Match in the Sky.
Three times a day, six acrobats play football while suspended from a 16-metre abseiling rig.
Back on the ground, the village boasts bands and DJs. Football-themed films are to be shown nightly and at the weekends there will be live screenings of Premier League matches.
The Mubadala Experience, inside the village, gives fans a chance to play against each other, play football on games consoles and even get their faces painted in their favourite club's colours. National players will be on hand to offer game tips.
A separate area is dedicated to the Italian club Inter Milan, with coaches from the club showing children new skills and giving ball handling demonstrations.
Abu Dhabi hosted its first Club World Cup, an annual competition between the club champions from all six regional football confederations, last year, when it was won by Barcelona FC.
[ eharnan@thenational.ae ]
