Dubai: More than 2,000 students from 55 schools have confirmed for the second edition of the Dubai Schools Football Cup (DSFC), a partnership between Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Inspiratus, which officially kicks off on January 31.
Supported by the Dubai Education Zone and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) along with main sponsor Chevrolet, the annual tournament was launched last year with a vision of bringing together Dubai’s youth while promoting healthier lifestyles and nurturing leadership qualities.
Ali Omar, Director, Sports Development Department, DSC was joined by Hussain Murad, CEO, Inspiratus, Ahmad Soudodi, Regional Brand Manager, Chevrolet and GMC, GM Middle East and former Spanish star Michel Salgado, also the Director of the Dubai Schools Football Cup, at the announcement on Sunday.
Run over a six-week period starting on January 31, the competition is open to boys and girls between 10 to 16 years in various age categories at the Dubai Sports City Football Academy at Dubai Sports City. The DSFC is inspired by the DSC’s vision of creating a distinguished sporting community in Dubai and paving the way for youth to cultivate their sporting talents and aptitudes.
“Based on the success of the first edition, the Cup has now become the emirate’s official inter-school football tournament. The future of youth football in the emirate is promising as we continue to witness growing participation from both boys and girls. We are delighted to bring an expanded second edition and we look forward to welcoming the Dubai community at this important event,” Ali Omar, Director, Sports Development Department, DSC, said.
Over 125 teams of girls and boys from 55 schools will compete for the grand prize, an all-expenses paid trip to the UK provided by main sponsor Chevrolet, to attend a Premier League Manchester United versus Manchester City match at Old Trafford later this year. The winners will also participate in a full-day football training clinic delivered by Manchester United coaches during the course of their visit.
“I am delighted to be here for the kick-off of the second edition of the Dubai Schools Football Cup. We witnessed such a great passion for football among the youth last year and I am certain that more talent will emerge as the tournament progresses,” Salgado, Director, DSFC, said.
“This initiative is aligned with our vision for a healthy and active lifestyle for our youth. We have witnessed first-hand the success of last year and we are keen to take things forward,” Ahmad Soudodi, Regional Brand Manager, Chevrolet and GMC, GM Middle East, said.
“The tournament is a celebration of Dubai’s youth, their aspirations, their future and our commitment to helping them live a fulfilled life, nurturing in them values that are key to their development, leadership qualities namely, focus, humility, collaboration and adaptability,” Hussain Murad, Inspiratus CEO, said.
Lycée Francais George Pompidou won the boys’ U-16, Dubai National School Al Barsha took the boys’ U-14, while St. Mary’s Catholic School topped the girls’ competition last year.
