Dubai Sports Council has backed a new football programme that will bring regular coaching to children and teenagers in six public parks across the city.
The council has signed a cooperation agreement with Al Furjan Dubai Foundation to support the Al Furjan Club initiative, which aims to make football training easier to access inside residential communities.
The agreement was signed by Issa Sharif, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, and Alia Al Shamlan, Executive Director of Al Furjan Dubai Foundation.
The programme will offer football training through the season at parks in:
- Oud Al Muteena
- Al Warqa 3
- Al Worood in Nad Al Sheba 4
- Al Barsha Lake
- Al Barsha South
- Al Mizhar 2
More than 1,400 players are expected to take part.
The programme will cover three age groups: Under 12 players born from 2017 to 2020, Under 14 players born from 2014 to 2016, and Under 16 players born from 2010 to 2013.
Players will train four days a week, with sessions held close to where they live.
One of the plan’s targets is to increase the number of regular sports participants in Dubai from 1.6 million to 2.6 million by 2033.
Alia Al Shamlan, Executive Director of Al Furjan Dubai Foundation said the agreement was designed to make residential communities a stronger starting point for young talent.
“We are working to link community programmes with a clear professional pathway that includes supporting more than 1,400 talented athletes, providing scouts to monitor matches and select the best to join Dubai’s clubs.”
Al Shamlan said the programme was also focused on building discipline, commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship in a safe setting.
Several players from the programme have already moved to major UAE clubs after being identified through their performances and conduct.
