du LaLiga High Performance Centre (HPC) announced today that five of its players from the U18 and U16 squads have been awarded trials by LaLiga’s top youth clubs, following their 21-day LaLiga Scouting Camp in Spain.
Málaga FC selected U18 wingers Ahmed Salam and Yahia Iraqi and U16 striker Mehdi Elkhamlichi, whereas U18 player Mohammed Rajeh and team captain Mohammed Bouherrafa were invited for trials at Cádiz FC and UD Alméria respectively, in preparation for landing professional contracts with these LaLiga Clubs at the age of 18, after establishing a good fit.
In addition, five other du LaLiga HPC players, including U16 defender Abhinav John and U18 striker Rami Hatem are on the radar of major LaLiga clubs, including Barcelona FC.
The du LaLiga HPC squads completed a year-long training program in Dubai at the hands of LaLiga coaches, and played over 30 competitive matches in preparation for their annual trip to Spain with hopes of being discovered by LaLiga club scouts.
Top talented players are selected annually to join the du LaLiga HPC from over 7,000 hopefuls participating in the du Football Champions, to represent the finest of the UAE’s rising football stars.
Commenting on the selection of talents Abdulwahed Juma, Executive Vice President, Brand and Corporate Communications, du, said, “The selection of five players from the du LaLiga HPC by LaLiga clubs reflects the importance of this platform in providing the youth of the UAE with an opportunity to play professional football. It also reflects the power of the platform to uncover talent and give them an opportunity to pursue their dreams to be a part of the world’s strongest league.”
The du LaLiga High Performance Centre with world-class dedicated facilities at the Sevens in Dubai, was established to provide a clear pathway of development for the UAE’s aspiring footballers, enabling them to train at LaLiga standards in preparation for pro-football careers. In its second year, the du LaLiga HPC expanded its categories to include U14, U16 & U18 players.
Fernando Sanz, LaLiga General Director MENA and Head of International Sports Projects commented on the trials saying, “I have been following the U18 team over the last year and have witnessed their development first hand. They have come a long way with a superior performance here in Spain this year. These young men have worked hard to make it to this point and earned their trials with LaLiga youth clubs. We have also witnessed a strong performance from the U16 team, and the trial selection of Mehdi El Khamlichi reflects the rigorous training of the team and their potential for development in the coming years. We look forward to see du LaLiga HPC players’ return to Spain next year and their football careers take off in the near future.”
The du Football Champions in partnership with LaLiga has created the only international scouting platform to enable youth from across the UAE to pursue international football careers. Scouted talents are invited to join the du LaLiga High Performance Centre where they are trained by LaLiga coaches yearlong in preparation for professional football careers nationally and internationally.