One of the joys of being in a small, tightly knit football community in a city like Dubai is that, we get to experience new opportunities that do not come as often as we would like it to be. And when it does, it tends to either be expensive or towards distinct communities within the city.
In 2014, the inaugural season of Dubai Schools Football Cup, under the guidance of Michel Salgado and the backing of Chevrolet Arabia, brought together students from national and international schools to compete against each other. It was rather non-existent in Dubai until DSFC was launched.
The main undertaking behind the tournament being the need to develop a vibrant community around opportunities in football on a professional level where all participants practice leadership, commitment, fair play and teamwork throughout the tournament.
Apart from that the prospect of playing different nationalities will improve their ability to adapt to different styles of play. And of course, there is always an occasion for over the 125 teams of girls and boys from 55 schools to compete for the grand prize – an all-expenses paid trip to the UK provided by Chevrolet Arabia, to attend a Premier League derby between Manchester United and Manchester City match at Old Trafford. Winners will also participate in a full-day football-training clinic delivered by Manchester United coaches.
The tournament will be played at the Dubai Sports City Football Academy, using its world-class, state-of-the-art facilities, under the expert guidance of Salgado, the ex-Real Madrid legend.
“I am delighted to be here for the kick-off of the 2nd edition of the Dubai Schools Football Cup. We witnessed such a great passion for football among the youth of the Dubai last year and I am certain that more talent will emerge as the tournament progress this year. This is such as an important event for the youth and community of Dubai,” said Michel Salgado, Director of Dubai Schools Football Cup.
“Having witnessed the massive success of the Dubai Schools Football Cup’s inaugural tournament and how much of a positive and inspirational force for change it is on the players, their families and coaches, Chevrolet is proud to extend yet again its support to this groundbreaking initiative which is aligned with our vision for a healthy active lifestyle for youth,” said Ahmed Soudodi, Regional Brand Manager for Chevrolet and GMC, GM Middle East.
The second edition is expected to bring together 2,000 players from 55 schools from all nationalities across Dubai at the Dubai Sports City Football Academy between January 31 and March 7.
2 Comments
Can any school join the competition even if it’s not recognized?
Well if its not recognized, you have a problem there :). But its open to all schools.