Details of the new program - expected to be the most successful to date - were announced at the launch event, which was attended by Sir Bobby, representatives of Dubai Sports City and presenting sponsor Milo.

This third season of MUSS skills development sessions is set to attract over 750 boys and girls from across the region, with over 60 nationalities creating a truly multi-cultural sporting environment.

Speaking at the launch, Sir Bobby talked about the importance of giving all young players the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their own level of potential.

"The vision shared between Manchester United Soccer Schools and Dubai Sports City to promote a positive learning environment in which young players can both improve their understanding of the game and gain confidence as an individual is admirable," said Sir Bobby.

During the event, some of the young players enrolled for the new season had the memorable opportunity to meet a true United legend. Sir Bobby, who holds the record number of appearances for the club, was more than happy to pass on some valuable advice.

"All around the world, children want to emulate their heroes, but it is important that young players remain dedicated, listen to their coaches and work hard to improve," he said.

Manchester United's dedication to developing youth has always been at the heart of the club's philosophy, whether as part of their Academy system or as part of their expanding global Soccer Schools programs.

Club captain Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and Wes Brown, themselves products of the famous Manchester United Academy system and now respected members of the first team squad epitomise this belief in giving young players the opportunity to perform.

Announcing the continuing partnership with MUSS, Khalid Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City said: "A visit from a football ambassador of Sir Bobby Charlton's stature and prestige is truly an honour. His presence here today to announce the start of the latest MUSS season underlines the shared commitment of both Dubai Sports City and Manchester United Soccer Schools to promote healthier lifestyles in young people through sport."

"The rising level of support from some of the world's greatest sporting brands for the Dubai Sports City project demonstrates the effectiveness of our 'best of breed' strategy, in which we seek partnerships with the strongest and most trusted brands within the sports industry, of which there is none greater than Manchester United," concluded Al Zarooni.

The third season of the 20-week football coaching programme will take place at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), Arabian ranches, starting on 3 November this year and is open to boys and girls of all abilities aged 7 to 18.

This season's program, presented by Nestle MILO and with the support of partners Pepsi and SNTTA, will provide opportunities for returning players to continue their progress, as well as allowing new players the chance to sharpen their skills and meet new friends.

Announcing their partnership with Manchester United Soccer Schools in Dubai, Hisham Dimashki - Beverages Brand Manager, Nestle Middle East said, "With an aim to create a positive impact of developing sports in general and football in particular amongst the region's youth, the partnership of Nestle MILO and Manchester United Soccer Schools in Dubai (MUSS) will educate, actively promote and encourage the physical activities needed for growing children, as well as the importance of sound nutrition as the foundation for healthy habits and active lifestyle."

"We believe that the Nestle MILO and MUSS partnership in Dubai will nurture talents, inspire kids in the U.A.E. and provide them with the opportunity to realise their own potential," added Dimashki.

Every player on the course will have the chance to take part in a number of unique skills tests which are designed using the club's coaches and players and specifically tailored so that all participants, regardless of age, can compete on level terms.

This year six lucky winners will be chosen. The top two winners will represent the UAE against players from the USA, Canada and Europe in the 2008 World Skills Final to be held at Manchester United training facilities with the opportunity to grace the famous turf at Old Trafford. Four runners up will have the chance to train at the MUSS residential program in the UK with players from over 50 different countries.

Application forms for the MUSS programme are available from the MUSS booking hotline, 04 329 3313, or via the MUSS website (www.muss.ae).

Manchester United Soccer Schools in Dubai is set to be permanently located in Dubai Sports City upon completion of its new facilities in 2008.

-Ends-

About Manchester United Soccer Schools
Manchester United Soccer Schools is a part of Manchester United Merchandising Limited which is a subsidiary of Nike under the 13-year commercial alliance between the Club and Nike. MUSS offers coaching courses for footballers of all ages and ability, from eight years old through to adults. MUSS coaching and skills development programmes are consistent with the philosophy used by the famous Manchester United Youth Academy. More than 40 UEFA-qualified coaches run the courses in the UK and overseas.

About Dubai Sports City:
Dubai Sports City (DSC), the cornerstone project of Dubailand, is a $3.6 billion, 50 million square feet mixed-use development which will be the world's first integrated purpose-built sports city.

The development will be built around five major sports venues: 

• a 60,000 capacity multi-purpose outdoor stadium for football, rugby, track and field and other sports and non-sports events

• a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena suitable for all hard court sports as well as concerts and other events and also including a removable ice rink

• a 25,000 capacity cricket stadium, expandable to 30,000, with state-of-the-art facilities for players, match officials, VIPs, spectators and the media

• a 5,000 seat field hockey stadium

• The Dunes, a magnificent 18-hole Championship golf course designed by Ernie Els   

In addition to the stadia, Dubai Sports City will feature a series of major sports academy facilities including:

• Dubai Sports City Football Academy, the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai

• a David Lloyd Tennis Academy

• a Butch Harmon School of Golf, the first such facility outside the United States

• the International Cricket Council's own ICC Global Cricket Academy

• the World Hockey Academy, a first of its kind partnership with the International Hockey Federation

• top class multi-sport training facilities including gymnasium and a 50 metre swimming pool  

• a world-renowned sports medicine and rehabilitation centre

Designed as a lifestyle development, Dubai Sports City will also feature comprehensive community facilities including:

? Next Generation Country Club and spa facility

? a large-scale shopping mall

? two retail hubs offering up-scale dining and boutique shopping

? a range of schools

? medical facilities

? community centres

? hotels

For further media information, contact Mikele Ugarte on +971 4 390 1950.

© Press Release 2007

 

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