The latest football club to launch in Dubai, City Football Club, has a masterplan to turn professional in the next 12 months – eventually hoping to take a place in the UAE Pro League. Offering a completely new approach to football, player identification and development – it’s a first of its kind in the GCC.
To celebrate the launch of City Football Club, players aged between six to 18 are invited to enjoy a free football festival at Kings Al Barsha School on 12th January 2018.They’ll have the chance to play alongside some of the clubs most Elite players as well as the opportunity to improve their football skills at the hands of the UAE’s best coaching talent.
“We’re delighted to be launching a brand-new club here in the UAE with the support of some of the region’s best coaches – we have big ambitions for the year ahead!” said Terry Kidd, Director of Football and Head Coach of City Football Club, Dubai.
“There is a huge amount of support for football here in the UAE, from the grassroots level all the way to the international game, so it was important for us to launch a football club that offers aspiring footballers — of all ages and nationalities — meaningful pathways whether that be via football scholarships to US-based universities, or to pro club programmes in Europe, Asia, South America or the US.”
City Football Club currently has 300 players registered who are coached on a daily and weekly basis at Gems Wellington Academy (Al Khail) and Kings School Al Barsha & Kings School Dubai whilst also playing in matches across the UAE.
With more than 15 years coaching experience, the club’s objective is to help players achieve the highest level possibly attainable given each player’s footballing ability. It seeks out and recruits the best talent in the UAE while offering player pathways from its Development Academy through to its Elite Squad and Professional/ Collegiate programme. Each programme is carefully designed to help boost the players’ skills and improve their overall fitness while also making sure they enjoy playing the sport.
The players performance and ability will be continually assessed by a team of experienced coaches, who all hold UEFA ‘A’ and ‘B’ coaching licenses, determining the right pathway for each player.
“We’re really looking forward to working with exciting and talented players and passing on the skills and knowledge that not only improves their football skills but their attitude to the game through educational and scholastic development” continued Terry Kidd.
“We believe very strongly that smart footballers in the classroom, make smarter footballers on the pitch – and ultimately better members of society.” added coach Kidd,“Ultimately, all footballers must be prepared for life after football, regardless of what level of football they play too – so education is highly important.”
Players looking to join the club can now sign up for its Development Academy by visiting www.dubaicityfc.com or calling +971 54 455 7762. Players interested in attending the Football Festival on the 12th January can find further details below:
WHERE: Kings Al Barsha School
WHEN: Friday 12th January
TIME: U8/10/12 & Girls 9:00am – 10:30am
U14/16/18 11:00am – 12:30pm
PRICE: FREE
TO REGISTER: call 052-1355383 or email info@dubaicityfc.com