An opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has seen a staggering demand for entries to the du Football Champions inter schools competition.
The best players from more than 11,000 entries from across the UAE will have the chance to be scouted from youth training sessions with some of La Liga’s top clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Demand has been so great that the registration deadline for entries has been extended. So far, 1,000 teams have signed up to take part, 40 per cent more than anticipated. Half will compete in the UAE Schools Cup, and the rest will take part in the UAE Streets Cup.
Championship Director, and former Real Madrid player Michel Salgado, said: “I have witnessed first hand how much talent we have in this country and now, we have a platform that will allow these talented youth to shine and embark on a professional career.”
It is the first youth football platform offering young top talents in the UAE the chance to earn a pro-football career on an international and national level.
Prizes include an all-expenses paid 14-day trip to Spain for training and competitive matches with La Liga’s best youth football clubs.
To allow extra participants to enter, the kick off date will be October 31 for Abu Dhabi and November 7 for Al Ain, with registration for Abu Dhabi now closing on October 21.
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: “It confirms our belief that we have set the stage for our youth to experience these rare opportunities and fulfil their aspirations. We will truly change the face of youth football in the UAE.“
newsdesk@thenational.ae
