The largest youth football scouting platform in the UAE, du football champions (duFC), home of the UAE Schools & Streets Cups, saw teams in the Northern Emirates playing their best football to secure their spots in the National Semi-Finals which will take place on March 17, 2018 at the Sevens in Dubai. With LaLiga scouts attending every match in search of the nation’s most talented football players, the young boys from Northern Emirates played their best football, raising the bar for players in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
UAE Schools Cup
Vying to be among the two teams moving forward in each category and increased participation from government schools, the boys in the U16 and U14 categories played four weeks of great football, with a fantastic display of footwork, teamwork and focus.
In the U16 category duFC veterans Al Maarifa International Private School Sharjah breezed through their group stages, but had a tough round of knock outs going to penalties against Al Kamal American International School Sharjah. They then faced their toughest match to date against National Charity School Al Qadiseya Sharjah, but 3 consecutive goals in the 10th, 15th, and 18th minutes saw them taking the match 3-1 to secure their spot. While Al Zuhour Private School Sharjah secured their spot like true champions conceding only 2 goals in 6 matches played and scoring an incredible 30 goals across their group stage matches.
Returning Champions Rashid bin Saeed School Hatta led their way into the semi-finals with little in their way to challenge their dominating pitch presence made up of a Hatta Club enforced squad scoring 45 goals over 7 matches whilst only conceding 2. The International School of Choueifat Sharjah fought hard match after match to make hold their lead. They faced challenging teams in the knock-out stages beating Al Rushed American School 2-1, going into a nail-biting penalty shootout against National Charity School, and finally beating Sharjah American International School 4-0 to make it to the next round.
UAE Streets Cup
Teams playing in the UAE Street Cup this season are eager to show the LaLiga scouts they have what it takes to play pro-football and in Northern Emirates played stellar football. With some familiar faces returning to the pitches in Norther Emirates for another chance to shine, the play was intense. Teams moving forward to Dubai are Grinta and Professional.
Grinta beat Ultimate XI 1-0 with a goal in the first 5 minutes of second half, then took on First Kick Team unchallenged ending the match three nil, and finally beating The Blues and coming out two nil on top with goals in the 9th and 20th minutes.
‘Professional first took on 7 Alive unchallenged ending the match eight nil. Their next match was against Cheetos who had five goals scored against them over the course of the 24-minute match. Then, in their deciding match against Imbattable Fantames it was a different story as they scored their way to a 3-2 victory in a strong game played predominantly down the right wing.
UAE Girls Challenge
Doubling the number of teams who participated last year, the girls in the Northern Emirates brought their best to the pitches and played fiercely. Gulf Asian English School and Sharjah American International School made it through to the next round, both teams taking the lead in their group.
What they said
Commenting on the kick-off of the first round in Northern Emirates tournament director and first LaLiga Ambassador Fernando Sanz said, “In its third year it is fantastic to see the ever-growing numbers in this tournament and the enthusiasm that each footballer player brings to the pitch. This platform has made dreams come true and LaLiga remains committed to enabling every football player in the UAE with the chance to showcase their skills and be discovered.”
Commending the hard work and skill demonstrated by all the semifinalists in the Schools & Streets Cups, Abdulwahed Juma, EVP Brand and Corporate Communications, du, said, “In just three seasons since duFC was founded, it has already established a reputation as one of the most competitive youth football scouting platforms in the country – and for good reason. During both tournaments, we witnessed remarkable football prowess demonstrated by countless extraordinarily talented young football players. We at du would like to congratulate all our finalists for their outstanding performance in both tournaments, which this year brought the largest youth turnout yet. These teams faced difficult competition and should be extremely proud of their momentous accomplishment.”
Winners in each category face off against their counterparts from the Abu Dhabi and Dubai who they will meet for the first time at what promises to be a sensational semi-final on March 17 2018 in Dubai.
Full games results are posted on www.dufc.ae
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