The Al Jazira Sports & Cultural Club will host the first Akkroball World Cup from 22-23 June with Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany, Holland, Spain, South Africa and UAE battling for international honors.

Akkroball, the exciting and exhilarating new sport based on the Brazilian beach football game "Foot Volley" is the adrenalin of sport mixed with the razzmatazz of lights and music giving the internationally revered football stars a glamorous stage to showcase their "true" superstar talent.

The rules are easy to understand and very similar to beach volleyball. Each team consists of two players who are allowed to touch the ball a maximum of three times before it has to cross a net. The ball is not to touch the floor and players are only allowed to make use of any of their body parts except the hands. The goal is to score as many points as possible against the opposing team within a period of eight minutes. Teams are divided into two groups of four with a knock-out format following the group stages. 

Janet Alderman, of Akkroball, said 'we were convinced that the inaugural Akkroball World Cup should be played in the UAE as it offers the best stage we could have ever asked for. We are very grateful for the support extended to us through the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nayan,

My thanks also goes to our Chairman Mike Thomas, son to former Ryders Cup Player Dave Thomas and designer of world renowned  golf courses such as The Belfrey and La Manga and his support to our team to make this happening.

The superb facilities in Abu Dhabi, such as our official hotel, the Emirates Palace, and the official host, the Al Jazira Sports & Cultural Club Indoor Football Arena allowed us to attract the biggest football nations to send their best players to be part of this event. Our commitment to Abu Dhabi is to conduct the official Akkroball World Cup for the next five years to make this a tournament with the top football players in the world participating each year. 

Cross Border Media, a Media Consulting, Event Management and Sports Marketing Company based out of Dubai Media City and Paris, France, is involved in the organization and operational execution for the successful realization of this high profile event.  Omar Saab, Head of Event Marketing for Cross Border Media stated that he is "excited to be working with all involved parties, each providing their combined talents to give this event the international success it deserves." He added that "our company understood from the start the value this event will have for Abu Dhabi when today's biggest football stars come to town." Cross Border Media is officially appointed by Akkroball World Wide.

Delwood Sports Marketing, a Dubai Media City based Sports marketing company has partnered with us for the next five year which guarantees us the professional marketing support to organize an event worth a World Cup title.

Spectators can expect an exciting event combining football skills and musical entertainment geared to families and children on both days from 7:00pm onwards (doors open 5:00pm). Top international football stars such as Deco, Puyol, Didi Hamman, Pattrick Kluivert, Ed Milson, Motta, Aron Mokoena and many more have already confirmed their participation and will be hands-on for picture taking and autographs.

Former Ajax superstar Dean Gorre a Director of Akkroball who is responsible for the recruitment of the players said 'It has been unbelievable the response from the players who wished to take part in the Akkroball World Cup, we could have had 16 teams and had to cut it down for the first year. We were planning 8 teams but will proceed with 10 teams such is the level of interest, virtually every participating player is a Full International such is the quality. I look forward to bringing to you the full list of names through this week'

The event is actively supported by Elite Private Jets and Elite Rental Cars, Al Jazira Sports & Cultural Club and Emirates Palace. Tickets, priced at AED 65.00 for regular seating and AED 150 for court side seats.  Tickets can be purchased through Virgin Mega stores, ITP Tickets.com and Box Office Middle East. For more information, please contact Delwood or log on to www.akkroball.com.

-Ends-

Issued on behalf of Cross Border Media by ekadaa Public Relations, Dubai.

Alisa D'souza
Tel: (+9714) 3912072;
Fax: (+9714) 3904740;
email: alisa@ekadaa.com

© Press Release 2007

 

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