Dubai: In the second week of matches in the group stages of du Football Champions in Dubai, defending champions French School (LFIGP) topped their groups in all three boys categories in the UAE Schools Cup, with the finals at Dubai Mall ice rink on April 21 in their sights.

The players put on a show of technical skills, eager to catch the attention of La Liga scouts for a chance to be invited to the exclusive du LaLiga High Performance Centre (HPC).

Commenting on the level of play in Dubai, LaLiga scout Rafa Gil said: “For youth in the UAE to have, for the first time, a clear pathway to football development through this platform has driven them to work hard, to come back year after year for the opportunity to be discovered. At the du LaLiga HPC we work with the youth of the UAE at the same level as we work with the youth of Spain preparing them for pro-football careers nationally and internationally.”

UAE Schools Cup

The Emiratis from Dubai Secondary School and the French boys from LFIGP topped their groups in the Under 16s.

In the U14 category, Dubai International School Garhoud impressed with a total of 19 goals, 12 of which were scored by Hussein Hawi, they will be joined by the French School LFIGP in the next round.

In the U12 category, LaLiga Academy, one of the newest academies to open its doors to youth across the UAE, impressed with skill and enthusiasm. LaLiga Academy Blue U12 turned around a 0-3 score in the last five minutes of the second half against the International School of Arts and Science racking up five goals and securing their second win of the day. They went on to win their third match 2-1 clearing their path to a place in the Dubai knockouts where they will meet the boys from Rashid Bin Saeed school.

UAE Streets Cup

With more than 55 teams competing for one of two spots in the UAE national semi-finals, the competition was fierce in the U16 Streets cup category with fast paced, offensive play the theme of the day. Irance won all their matches and will be meeting Ze Roberto and BJP on March 24 in what will prove to be a tough battle for a place in the semi-finals.

Girls Challenge

Another week of fantastic play on the pitches of the UAE Girls Challenge earn them top spot in their group and they will be joined by FC Academy in the next round.