Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai Launches Goalkeeping Course

Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai kicks off its second term this week with the introduction of a new course specially designed for goalkeepers. Aspiring goalkeepers will have the chance to improve their skills through training drills based on those used by first-team stars Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia, who met a number of pupils during a trip Dubai.

“We already have training sessions which are aimed at youngsters dreaming of playing up front like Robin van Persie, or in midfield, in the same mould as the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere, so it is a natural step to add goalkeeping classes,” said Gareth Hamilton, Head Coach of Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai.

“With more and more youngsters expressing an interest in playing in goal, it is great that we now have a course – run by a goalkeeping coach who has his UEFA A licence – which will help them develop their technical skills and passion for the game,” added Hamilton.

Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai has been popular since it launched last year, with youngsters keen to learn to Play the Arsenal Way.

Enrolment for the new 10-week term, running from 3rd January to 7th March, is under way and still open for registration.

“Demand for places has been exceptionally strong and a number of courses are already sold out, so I would recommend pupils to book up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment,” added Hamilton.

“The school is open to boys and girls aged five to 17 of all abilities and it is encouraging to see the progress being made by many of the pupils, from beginners making their first steps in the game, to pupils who have been coming to the school for a number of terms.”

The goal of the school is to have fun but also teach the children about competition. “We now offer pupils the chance to play matches against other schools, as well as face up to fellow pupils during game days held twice every term, and the exposure to competitive action has helped in their development,” explained Hamilton. “In addition, those players aged nine and above who show the most potential have been placed in development squads for their age group, and we are seeing a number of them push on to the next level.”

The school – a joint venture between Arsenal and Emirates based at 7he Sevens, the airline’s dedicated sporting facility on the Al Ain Road – operates three 10-week terms per year, with enrolment starting at Dhs 1650, which includes an Arsenal Nike training kit, water bottle, cap and sports holdall.

For more information, visit www.playthearsenalway.com/Dubai. You can also e-mail arsenaladmin@emirates.com or call +971 (0) 4 809 6679 or +971 (0) 509 509794.
 

The Barcelona Soccer School In Dubai Partners With GEMS Education

The Barcelona Soccer School in Dubai has announced its partnership with GEMS Education for a fresh season of football training at the new football pitch located at the Wellington International School, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Seif Tawfik, Managing Director, Barcelona Soccer School said: “Through our partnership with GEMS education we are now in the prime position to strengthen the reputation of our school. Additionally, through the GEMs network, we now have the opportunity to reach out to a larger number of children offering them a chance to follow their dreams on and off the pitch.”

The Barcelona Soccer School in Dubai, which caters to both boys and girls, aged four to sixteen, started in 2008; within a year the attendance had reached over 250 students, with this number a doubling year on. The school follows the official FC Barcelona curriculum, which is implemented by Spanish Technical Director Ruben Della Morte. As part of this programme, children are taught both on and off the pitch, learning techniques that are instrumental in their development to become develop into accomplished and confident players.

FCBEscola is FC Barcelona’s own soccer school and its main objective is the integrated training of its pupils. Barcelona Soccer School in Dubai, which is managed by Stryx Gulf Sports Marketing, conducts thrice weekly trainings from 5.30pm until 8.00pm and hosts matches on Friday mornings. Each member of the school is provided with two FCBEscola training kits and one FCBEscola match kit along with an FCBEscola bag. The school also runs two international tournaments along with a summer camp to Barcelona.

FC Barcelona has won numerous titles for its achievements over the years such as two UEFA Champions League Cups and four UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups apart from two Super European Cups.

Barcelona Soccer School in Dubai has also launched its brand new website www.fcbescoladubai.com.
 

Wenger Expects World Cup To Inspire Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai Pupils

Inspired by the image of Cesc Fabregas setting up the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup™ final, Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai pupils will have an extra spring in their step when the new term gets under way.

The Arsenal captain – who met many of the pupils when he visited Dubai last year – is the player almost every youngster at the school dreams of emulating and his heroics for Spain helped take football fever to new heights in the UAE this summer.

Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai was a huge hit last year with youngsters keen to learn to Play the Arsenal Way, the exciting, free-flowing skilful style which is the hallmark of Arsène Wenger, but the new season is expected to be even busier.

And as the school prepares to celebrate its first birthday, the club’s first-team manager believes a good platform is now in place for the school to help budding players improve their game.

Wenger – who is globally renowned for his ability to nurture young talent – said: “Football always enjoys a surge in popularity following a World Cup, especially among youngsters, so we are expecting pupils to be extra keen to learn new skills.

“It is important for children to have good role models like Cesc so it was fantastic to see him play such a key part in the goal which kids will be recreating in playgrounds in Dubai and throughout the rest of the world.

“We have a great team of coaches in Dubai who are looking forward to welcoming youngsters back after the summer.

“They have been trained to follow a coaching programme based on the same principles we teach our first-team players in London.

“Of course, there is a focus on developing young players’ technical skills and passion for the game. We want to help them become the best players they possibly can be, but we also put a great emphasis on enjoyment. It is a great opportunity for children to realise their potential while having great fun at the same time.”

Gareth Hamilton – head coach of Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai, which is open to boys and girls aged five to 18 – is also excited about the new term, which kicks off on 27th September.

“I am looking to build on the success of the first year and will be introducing several new initiatives. It was great to see the progress made by all the pupils last year and particularly pleasing to see that many of them have the ability to improve further.

“Those players aged nine and above who show the most potential this season will be selected for development squads for their age group, with the classes tailored to help them push on to the next level.

“In addition, high ability players aged 17-18 with aspirations to secure a college scholarship will have the chance to sign up for a class which will help them prepare for their application.

“Also, many of the players will have the chance to play competitive matches against other schools, as well as face up to fellow pupils at game days which will be held twice every term.

“It is a real inspiration for pupils to meet their heroes and last year we were very lucky to have Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Mikael Silvestre, Kieran Gibbs and Manuel Almunia visit Dubai, so – fingers crossed – we will be welcoming more special guests in the not too distant future.”

The school – a joint venture between Arsenal and Emirates based at 7he Sevens, the airline’s dedicated sporting facility on the Al Ain Road – operates three 10-week terms per year, with enrolment starting at Dhs 1650, which includes an Arsenal training kit, water bottle, cap and sports holdall.

For more information, visit www.playthearsenalway.com/Dubai. You can also e-mail arsenaladmin@emirates.com or call +971 (0) 4 809 6679 or +971 (0) 509 509794.

 

Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai Pupils In Shoot Off With Barca

Dubai’s future soccer stars got a taste of one of the beautiful game’s most celebrated rivalries yesterday as they pulled on the famous shirts of Arsenal and Barcelona at 7he Sevens.

The players – representing Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai and FCB Escola (Barcelona Soccer School) – faced off in a series of friendly matches to mark the end of term.

The fixture came just over a month since the clubs – hailed as the two most entertaining and skilful teams in the world – met in the Champions League.

And the youngsters were keen to follow in the footsteps of their heroes – Arsenal stars Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott, the two shining lights of the 2-2 first leg at the Emirates Stadium, and Lionel Messi, who produced one of the finest individual performances in history as he netted four times to send Barca into the semi-finals.

With an army of friends and family cheering from the sidelines, the schools, with two teams from the 9-10 age group and two from 11-12 section, contested four seven-a-side matches and a fun day was had by both the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai and FCB Escola players.

It was an opportunity for the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai pupils to showcase the skills they have learned during the first year of the school, which was opened in May 2009 by Gunners defender Gael Clichy and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

Gareth Hamilton – head coach at Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai – was delighted his pupils got the chance to showcase their new skills.

He said: “This is a great reward for all the hard work the kids have put in over the past few months. It is very satisfying to see them demonstrate the progress they have made.

“The training programme at Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai has been developed based on the same principles taught to first-team players: developing young players’ technical skills and passion for the game to ensure they become the best players they possibly can.

“We also put a strong emphasis on enjoyment and understanding the spirit of football, so it was great for our players to host the pupils from FCB Escola in what was a great afternoon of football.”

The matches with FCB Escola capped off a successful first year for Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai: pupils not only got the chance to develop their skills, but also got to meet a number of their heroes, with Clichy, Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Keiran Gibbs, Manual Almunia and Mikael Silvestre all visiting Dubai.

In addition, two pupils – David Gowans (16) and five-year-old Nina Zammit Moore – won dream trips to London to see the Gunners play English Premier League matches against West Ham and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, although school is almost out for summer, Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai is offering youngsters the chance to beat the heat and continue learning how to ‘Play the Arsenal Way’ at intensive four-day camps at Ahdaaf Sports Club, an impressive indoor facility in Al Quoz.

The emphasis is on playing as a team to produce imaginative and skilful football, similar to the style created by club manager Arsène Wenger, who is globally renowned for his ability to nurture young talent.

And the classes – aimed at kids aged between nine and 16 who have already mastered the basics – will be held from 11th to 21st July, from 10:00 to 13:30.

Registration is also already under way for the next term, which kicks off in September. Terms last 10 weeks, with classes running for 75 minutes, and are open to children aged between five and 16. In addition, a scholarship group will also be available for players aged between 17 and 18, which is geared towards providing them a platform to achieve a soccer scholarship in the US.

To register for the new school term in September – or enrol for Summer Camp – call +971 (0) 4 8096679 or e-mail sharon.fitzsimons@emirates.com. For more information, visit www.arsenalsoccerschooldubai.com.

Government Bodies And Private Sector Entities Clash In Soccer Tournament At Sports Zone In Modhesh World

The Sports Zone of Modhesh World saw the first hotly contested tournament of this edition recently. In keeping with the objectives of the Dubai Sports Council, the tournament was organized to promote practicing sports on a regular basis. The tournament also was an organized effort to promote closer ties between the private and the government sector.

Dr. Ahmed Saad Al Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Mr. Naser Ar-rahma, Director of Culture and Social Activities Department at DSC gave away the prizes to the winning teams. Besides cups the individual players were awarded with medals.

"Ensuring that one continues to practice a sport even after school is extremely important. With matches like these, we are not only promoting sports among our professionals but also providing them a platform to network on an informal note," said Dr. Ahmed Saad Al Sharif.

Modhesh World doors are open from 10.00am to 10:00pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 10:00am to midnight (Thursdays), and 3:00pm to midnight on Fridays. Tickets to the venue are priced at AED 10 for adults and AED 15 for children with numerous free zones and exciting activities.
 

Enjoy The Excitement Of South Africa At Soccer Circus Dubai This Summer

The World Cup may be drawing to a close on July 11th, but football fever will continue all summer long as Soccer Circus Dubai, courtesy of Majid Al Futtaim Leisure offers summer camps for kids!

Open to kids five years and above, from June 20th until August 1st, children will have the unique opportunity to perfect their soccer skills at this interactive football training academy and receive expert coaching 5 days a week. For children who want to be at the top of their game and shoot from 35 yards like Ronaldo, all aspiring footballers’ dreams can be fulfilled through team games, individual training, and three five- a–side expansive pitches at Team Zone that are on offer at the first-of-its kind facility at Playnation, Mirdif City Centre.

In addition to the thrill, fun and excitement of mimicking their favorite football sensations Soccer Circus summer camp is designed to ensure performance tracking and monitoring through daily score cards and activity reports so all progress is mapped. Children are then free to test their newly acquired skills in the ultimate showdown of the final tournament on the last day of the camp.

Offering limitless fun, ‘Team Zone’, provides the perfect experience for corporate and group bookings and allows active athletes to enjoy their favourite sport, from football to cricket, volleyball to field hockey and badminton so they can keep fit during the lull of the summer months.

Whether it’s the most zealous of fans or first time footballers, Soccer Circus Dubai is the ideal destination to enjoy the thrill of the game this summer in the cool and refreshing indoors of Playnation at Mirdif City Centre.

Soccer Circus Dubai is part of Playnation – a dedicated leisure and entertainment zone within Mirdif City Centre. A total of five exciting leisure experiences are integrated within Playnation and feature something for everyone. From the adrenaline thrills of iFly, an indoor skydiving centre and Soccer Circus, a fully interactive football attraction, to the excitement of Magic Planet and Yalla! Bowling, along with the children’s edutainment attraction Cite’ des Enfants
 

Presented by du and supported by Coca – Cola: The ’One’ Marquee attracts soccer fans as World Cup finale nears

As the 2010 FIFA World Cup enters the final week, soccer fans are crowding the ’One’, a luxurious marquee built especially for the World Cup. Presented by du, and supported by Coca-Cola as the Official Partner, the high-end venue is one of the main attractions of the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises 2010.

Fully-equipped with state-of-the-art 35 LCD screens in addition to two 2×3 metre giant screens, the marquee offers its visitors a great menu of food and beverages in addition to shiesha to set the mood of excitement and cheering across the two-floored venue. Cooled by air conditioning units, the marquee can accommodate around 600 spectators. 

The Soccer Circus Is Coming To Town

Mirdif City Centre could be the next sporting centre of excellence when the Beckhams, Ronaldos, and Figos of the future hone their skills at the world’s first fully interactive football attraction, Soccer Circus.

Majid Al Futtaim Leisure will be bringing the hi-tech, soccer training attraction to the super regional Mirdif City Centre, which is due to open in the first quarter of 2010. Soccer Circus sets a series of challenges using real footballs in simulated stadium environments to test the skills and talent of the players.

The drills have all been developed from professional training grounds and are designed to improve players’ technical ability and inspire youngsters to play for real. The pioneering Soccer Circus has all the thrill of football action in a safe and fun environment – and without the often scorching outdoor sun.

Craig Hart, Vice President, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure said, “Soccer Circus is a unique leisure concept which we are very proud to bring to the Middle East for the first time. Through this one-of-a-kind attraction, we aim to offer our visitors the chance to learn the tricks of this game and experience the real soccer atmosphere.”

The attraction is spread over an area of 2,000 square meters and comprises the Training Academy and PowerPlay, which allows visitors to develop their football skills, compete with each other or simply have fun.

Training Academy presents a series of football challenges, each one concentrating on different football skills. The games are played individually by each person in a team of up to four players.

PowerPlay is a highly realistic virtual game, played in a stadium-like atmosphere, giving every member of the team the chance to experience what it’s like to play like a pro. The players receive a pre-match briefing from their coach before taking to the field, using real footballs in a fully automated and exciting game. The final whistle is followed by a full action replay and commentary from the coach on how well the pro performed.

Soccer Circus, which will soon be home to many soccer crazy fans, will appeal to a wide range of audience both male and female, from 7 years to 70.