Dubai: The UAE’s Filipino Expatriate Sepak Takraw Association (FESTA-UAE) is appealing for more Emirati players to help grow their sport ahead of the first international tournament to be played in the UAE on July 17-18.
Sepak takraw is a mix between football and volleyball played with a synthetic fibre ball (originally made from rattan) originating from Malaysia where it dates back to the 15th century. There are already over 20 teams, each made up of three to five players in the UAE.
But the group, which is made up predominantly of South East Asians, are looking to appoint an all-Emirati committee in order to form a federation.
“We are looking for potential leaders to share our passion and help form a federation to be recognised by the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare (GAYSW) and Dubai and Abu Dhabi Sports Councils,” said FESTA-UAE president and former Iran and Philippines coach Hector Sentillas.
“In helping the UAE get a federation we can also help them form a national team made up of Emiratis. This would be our way of thanking this country for all it has done for us.
“Funding would help them to have a competitive team in the future, whereas our group has been organising different tournaments for the past two years with only contributions from the pockets of our members,” he added.
Sentillas said that FESTA-UAE could supply all equipment and coaching to newcomers thanks to their sponsors and kit suppliers Gejah Emas, but he added that they needed the help of local players to help push their sport further.
“Thanks to its similarities with football and volleyball, Sepak takraw has the potential to be very popular here in the UAE,” he added.
Of an upcoming Sepak tekraw international tournament to be held at Dubai Sports World from July 17-18, Sentillas said: “This will be the first international tournament in the UAE and that’s a major milestone for the sport locally. We’ve already had a lot of interest from more countries who want to take part next year.”
For more information on Sepak tekraw locally contact Hector Santillas on 0559907918 or email hectoras@gmail.com
