Dubai: A host of the 300 plus amateur teams competing in the first Emirates Airline Dubai Football 7s were in action at The Sevens venue yesterday.
The Open Amateur Men, Open Corporate Men, Dubai Amateur Football League, Local Amateur Men's Social and Media sections of the tournament all kicked off yesterday, with eight more sections set to get underway today.
"This is a great concept which should have started years ago," said Sami Khalaf who was playing with the Young Stars FC in the Open Amateur Men section.
Legends and pros
"It was a super day with great organisation. I'm looking forward to more people coming down here tomorrow," added Paul Cooke representing the MMI team in the Local Amateur Men Social section.
Today will see the much-anticipated start of the Legends and Professionals tournaments with Dubai fans getting the chance to see some top-class action on Pitch 1 at The Sevens.
Kicking things off for the professionals will be Arsenal who will take on Feyenoord Rotterdam in the opening match of the day at 9.13am. A little later in the morning, players such as Paolo Di Canio and Franco Baresi will take to the field in a powerful AC Milan Legends lineup as they take on the likes of John Collins and Pierre van Hooijdonk in the Celtic Legends team at 10.41am.
In addition to the incredible football action on the pitch, there will be plenty of other entertainment on offer at The Sevens this weekend.
There is a children's play area in the village with face painting, numerous inflatable games and other fun activities, as well as a crèche facility and a dedicated family stand.
In between the matches, the Aggreko Soccerettes will be keeping the crowds entertained with their dance moves, while tournament mascot Saba'a the camel will be up to his amusing antics on the side of the pitch.
