Sport | Football
Everton's Cahill hoping to develop next generation of sporting stars
Everton striker Tim Cahill says he didn't have to think twice before inking the deal that will see him join hands with the Elite Sporting Academy (ESA) to develop talent in the Middle East.
- By Duane Fonseca, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:35 November 20, 2008
Dubai: Everton striker Tim Cahill says he didn't have to think twice before inking the deal that will see him join hands with the Elite Sporting Academy (ESA) to develop talent in the Middle East.
The Australian added that his desire to assist and inspire talented youngsters and help them realise their dreams stems from the troubles he faced as a budding footballer before top-flight action at Everton beckoned.
Based at Repton School in Nad Al Sheba, ESA is aimed at youngsters aspiring to pursue a career in sport.
Cahill says he will be only too happy to assist former England international Carlton Palmer, who takes charge of football at the academy, as part-time coach.
'Good initiative'
"I thought this was a good initiative because it would keep other young talented footballers from struggling like me," said Cahill, who is also one of the major shareholders in the academy.
"I remember when I wanted to leave Australia to play at the top level, my family had to undergo a lot of hardships to get things moving. We had to take loans to finance my move to England so that I could achieve my goals. Hopefully, these kids, with this kind of coaching and the facilities that will be available, can develop their skills in Dubai and then think of moving abroad."
The academy is expected to kick-start its operations early next year through football and rugby, with netball and cricket being added to the curriculum later. Meanwhile, sixty places will be up for grabs in each of the four age groups between under 10s and under 16s.
Former St Helens and Sale Sharks star, Apollo Perelini, who will head the rugby division, is already planning on relocating to Dubai.
"Our focus will not only be on improving their rugby skills, but we'll also make sure we teach them some life skills so that they can take with them habits which they can use in daily life.
"As a player, you need to know how to win, but you also need to know how to react when you lose and we will use our own experiences to train them."
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