Monday, May 05, 2014
Dubai: Champions of the first Dubai Schools Football Cup (DSFC) flew to the UK on Monday as part of the Cup’s grand prize, a three-day trip and action packed programme at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
Winning teams in all four categories — Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou’s boys U15s and Dubai National Schools Al Barsha’s boys U12s, along with St Mary’s Catholic High School’s girls U13 and U16s teams — will attend Man United’s penultimate English Premier League game of the season at home to Hull City on Tuesday, courtesy of sponsors Chevrolet.
Co-sponsors Emirates NBD will also be offering winning teams the chance to train with Man United coaches at Old Trafford.
The inaugural DSFC Cup was an eight-week tournament organised in partnership with Dubai Sports Council and Inspiratus, which aims to promote a healthy living among local schoolchildren in line with national directives. More than 1800 students formed 100 teams from 50 schools. Matches were held under the auspices of the Dubai Education Zone at Dubai Sports City under the guidance of former Spain and Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado.
Dr Ahmad Al Sharif, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council, praised the initiative. “The DSFC proved beyond doubt that football is more than a ball, two goals and a pitch,” he said.
“The young players demonstrated week after the week that it’s about teamwork, dedication, commitment, leadership, the passion to excel, and above all, great sportsmanship. We believe the DSFC winners are not just champions, they are youth Ambassadors of leadership and healthy lifestyles, proudly representing Dubai and the UAE.”
Staff Report
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
