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More than 100 Abu Dhabi schoolchildren were given a preview today of the football programmes that will attract thousands of youngsters when Manchester United Soccer Schools has its big kick-off in the capital later this month.
There was an extra buzz of excitement at Raha International School as pupils enjoyed a series of 45 minute coaching sessions based on techniques similar to those used by Manchester United’s first team coaches.
The sessions were conducted by Andy Dixon and Chris Rosimus, two accredited and certified Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) coaches from the UK now based in Abu Dhabi.
Starting with an initial six-week course getting under way on 30th October, they will be running full MUSS programmes for young people aged between seven and 16 at the Dome@Rawdhat on Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. Ten-week courses will follow.
Youngsters enrolling in the programmes will be taught in the way that home-grown current United players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, and former stars such as George Best and David Beckham, learnt their skills.
At Raha International School today, mixed groups of Grade 3, Grade 8 and Grade 10 pupils took part in coaching sessions watched by the Principal, Wayne MacInnis, other members of the teaching staff, and representatives of Reem Investments, who signed a partnership agreement last month with MUSS.
“Raha International School aspires to be the very best in the UAE in all areas, including sport, said Mr MacInnis. “Manchester United is one of the finest football clubs in the world and we are very pleased that our students will have the opportunity to be trained by the very best.”
At the end of each coaching session, the school children were given pin badges as a memento and enrollment details about MUSS programmes. Youngsters or parents who want to know more, or book places on the first MUSS programme, can visit www.manutdsoccerschools.ae
“This was our first schools initiative in Abu Dhabi, but it is based on work we have done very successfully around the world,” said Andy Dixon, head coach with MUSS in Abu Dhabi. “It’s a great way to meet the kids and show them the kind of things they would be doing if they enroll in one of our programmes.
“These are also aimed at developing the social skills applicable both on and off the field, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, so it’s important that we develop close relationships with the schools in Abu Dhabi, as we have done in other parts of the world.”
Since signing its partnership agreement with MUSS, Reem Investments has been busily preparing for the launch of the football programmes at the Dome@Rawdhat, home of the UAE’s first air-supported indoor pitch as well as outdoor pitches.
As a result of the new partnership with Reem Investments, MUSS programmes will be run exclusively in the UAE for two years. Under the terms of the agreement, Reem has the option to expand the partnership into other areas of the GCC.
Reem Investments developed the Dome@Rawdhat with the goal of creating a vibrant sporting community in the area. More than 50,000 footballers from all ages and backgrounds have used the facilities since it was opened in October last year.
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