Dubai Sports City launches Manchester United Soccer Schools
From December 14 2005 to April 10 2006, MUSS and DSC will provide the opportunity for young, aspiring soccer players within the UAE to attend courses with coaches from one of the largest and most famous football clubs in the world. Operating from facilities provided by the Al Wasl Sports Club, boys and girls aged 7 – 16 years old will be coached by MUSS coaches and local assistant coaches.
The MUSS coaching programme is specially adapted from the coaching programme at Manchester United’s Youth Academy and it is anticipated that over 500 youngsters in the Emirates will benefit from this coaching over the four month period.
Speaking at the launch at Al Wasl Sports Club, Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Partner in Dubai Sports City, said: ‘We are very excited about our partnership with Manchester United Soccer Schools. Within the Dubai Sports City project we are proud to be working with some of the world’s greatest sporting brands, and as far as the football world is concerned, there is none bigger than Manchester United.’
‘We are particularly honoured to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson, Manager of Manchester United Football Club, to Dubai. His presence here today not only reflects the true commitment of MUSS to the Dubai Sports City project but also demonstrates the full-time ongoing commitment of the Club to youth development and training, something which is integral within the ethos of Dubai Sports City.’
Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, said: ‘At Manchester United we place great emphasis on developing young players. It has been part of the tradition of this club since the days of Sir Matt Busby and is something we remain very much focused on today, whether bringing players through the Academy or coaching young players at our soccer schools. Some of today’s top football players like Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson are products of the Youth system.
‘We believe that through our soccer schools we can take our football philosophy around the world. We are tremendously excited about the opportunity to launch the MUSS concept in the Arab world where football and Manchester United enjoy a huge following. Dubai Sports City is one of the most exciting and ambitious sporting projects in the world today and we hope to have a long and successful association with it – I would like nothing more than Manchester United Soccer Schools to help develop the Arab football champions of tomorrow.’
The Al Wasl Sports Club will be equipped with a full set of MUSS coaching equipment. As well as receiving expert coaching, children will have their progress monitored regularly by specially adapted skills tests. All players will receive a full MUSS/Nike training kit, a MUSS goody bag and regular newsletters. At the end of the course, each participant will receive a certificate and a personalized coaching assessment. The programme is directed at improving fundamental football skills with much emphasis on enjoyment, personal achievement and personal development.
The Manchester United Soccer Schools facility will formally open full-time in the first phase of the Dubai Sports City project, end 2007.
Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/