Sports | Sunday 6 March, 2016 4:06 pm |

The Dubai knock-out stages at the du Football Champions, home of the official UAE Schools and Streets Cups, saw teams playing their best football to date to secure one of 12 spots (3 in each category)in the next round.  The Dubai community supported the young athletes, as the intensity of competition increased on the pitches from match to match.  

 

The only international youth football scouting platform in the nation conducted in partnership with LaLiga, was witness to an incredible showcase of talent as Dubai’s youth put their best foot forward to fulfill their dreams of playing pro-football.

 

Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Commercial Officer du commented on the day of matches saying, “duFC adopts a clear approach, aiming to to strengthen the youths’ confidence, through sports and clean competition in a professional environment.  In addition, through the duFC platform, we aim to enhance and utilise the energy amongst these youths, which will enable them to achieve their ambitions personally and professionally in the future.”

 

Teams Moving Forward

A grueling day of matches saw top performing teams pushing themselves to the limit with teams from in the Schools Cup Boys U16 from the French School (LFIGP), German School and The International School of Choueifat, Dubai securing their spots in the next round.  Tournament favourites from the French School (LFIGP) started the day off on a high with a 3-0 win, but with each round were able to maintain their stamina and focus to push through.  Their final match against Rashid Bin Saeed, Hatta ended on a high with a 9-0 win putting them in a great frame of mind for the UAE national semi-finals next Saturday. 

 

“What an amazing day.  We worked hard today and our results speak for themselves – the team found their strength today and our coach believed in us.  We can’t wait for the UAE semi-finals next week,” said 15 year old striker Yahya Iraqi from the French School who impressed the LaLiga scouts.

 

Championship Director, Michel Salgado had words of advice for winning teams in Dubai, “What all the winning teams need to do in the coming weeks is to stay the course, work hard, build their strength and recognise the value of working together as a single unit when they are on the pitch.  I am sure we will see these young players raising the bar on youth football in the UAE next week.” 

 

In the Schools Cup boys U14 category, there were no surprises as the young boys from the French School (LFIGP), Rashid Bin Saeed (Hatta) and Philadelphia Private School battled their way through to the semi-finals.  With determination and their coaches giving them direction and encouragement from the side lines all three teams earned their places in the next round.

 

Matches over on the girls’ pitches in Dubai proved to be the most challenging as the talented girls put on a spectacular show of football excellence to deafening cheers from their crowds of supporters.  Girls teams moving forward from Dubai are the French School (LFIGP), The German School and St.Mary's Catholic high school Oud Metha after a grueling match against the American School in Dubai (ASD)

 

The UAE Streets Cup pitches came to life as the boys played fast-paced football with technical passes, smooth tackles and superior dribbling.  Teams moving forward are Top Gunners, There Dream Team and AC Dubai who played like true professionals today.      

 

Speaking after his win, Joe Bejjani, from Top Gunners said, “Over the past few weeks we have had a taste of what it means to play world-class football and today we are one step closer to making it to Spain.  For us the trip to Spain would mean everything.” 

 

Hussein Murad, CEO of Inspiratus, the organizers of the initiative was commented on the Dubai knock-outs saying, “The energy at the Sevens today was incredible.  The youth from Dubai played like true professionals and we see some champions in the making.  Next week as the teams from Abu Dhabi, Northern Emirates and Dubai come together for the first time in Dubai I am certain that the level of football will increase and will lead us to what promises to be an eventful finals at Dubai Mall on 19th March.”

 

Winners in each category face off against their counterparts from the Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates who they will meet for the first time for the semi-finals on 12th March 2016 in Dubai.