Dubai: IFA Sport, the largest grassroots football business and coaching academy in the UAE, has announced the appointment of former professional footballer Dale Gordon as the new Director of Football.
Gordon brings extensive knowledge and experience to the IFA, following a successful career in professional football that spanned over 10 years. He played for major clubs such as English Premiership sides Norwich City and West Ham and Glasgow Rangers, when they were in the Scottish Premier League. Over the course of his football career, Gordon played in over 285 games. Since his retirement from professional football, Gordon has dedicated the last 15 years to football academy schools for young players in the UK.
Gordon’s role will be to pioneer IFA’s latest initiatives, including coaching amateur and professional workshops. In addition to organising and running leagues, competitions and off-field activities will include developing partnerships with schools, communities and businesses in the region.
The Englishman said: “I am looking forward to a new and exciting challenge in Dubai with IFA Sport after running my own academy in the UK for 15 years. I am pleased to be given this exciting opportunity to be associated with IFA’S new coaching and management team, and I’m excited about the prospect of helping develop the future of football in the UAE and the Middle East.”
Gordon will head up the IFA team of more than 20 male and female coaches immediately, which has further been strengthened by the recent appointment of a number of ex-professional footballers and coaches with the highest qualifications available in the region.
Gordon added: “IFA have been one of the largest football academies in the UAE for a number of years, and with my knowledge and experience in playing and coaching at the highest level, I am looking forward to building on this success.”
“I believe with what I have witnessed in just a few weeks within the community, the future looks very bright for the academy and the quality of the youth leagues we operate. I am excited to be part of such a professional team to guide the development of children through football and sport in a safe and friendly environment.”
Ensuring kids throughout the UAE have access to IFA’s proposition, the academy will be launching free sessions to schools and teams.
IFA was launched in 2004 and, over the years, has developed a strong reputation in the UAE as a dynamic sports organisation. The appointment of Dale Gordon and his extensive knowledge of the game will be used to launch IFA’s new development programme, which will further enhance the existing coaching syllabus.
IFA director Jim Reilly said: “Since inception, the academy has gone from strength to strength and 2013 looks to be a year of exciting opportunity and continued growth. Having enjoyed success in the UAE, we are now looking to build the IFA brand and reputation with the goal of becoming recognised on an international platform as a leading football academy. Our simple goal is for everyone to get more out of football, no matter what level they are. We want to take this message across the country and region.”
“Dale and the other new coaches coming on board is an excellent kick-off to 2013. The strength of the coaching team puts the IFA at the forefront of football coaching in the region. We aim to enhance our educational programmes promoting healthier lifestyles through football. Through these programmes, we aim to encourage both girls and boys to excel in the game and develop their full potential,” he added.