Football’s coming back
THE BEAUTY OF a World Cup year, aside from a normally barren summer month being filled with the best sporting tournament on Earth, is the gap between one Premier League season ending and the other beginning feels far shorter. And would you believe it, today’s Charity Shield match between Manchester City and Chelsea at 6pm marks the official countdown to the new term, which kicks off on Friday night. Once again we’ve fallen hook, line and sinker and can’t wait. As we look to fill the next few short days we’ve put together a couple of options for you to also get in the mood.
1 PLAY
A’l Bahar at the Corniche, AbuDhabi has announced an exciting way to keep active this summer. The A’l Bahar Summer Sports Tournament will take place from today until September 26 between 8pm and 10.30pm. Get together and compete in beach football, beach volleyball, or basketball. Registration is free, and is now open. Delicious bites are available from more than 20 vendors including favourites like Barbacoa, Cupagahwa, Stuffed Burger, Casa Latina, and Marl’s Organic.
2 TRAIN
Take advantage of Dubai Sports World’s six indoor football pitches and keep the action going all through the summer months down at the World Trade Centre. Whether you’re planning a casual match with friends, a competitive game with colleagues or want to create your own mini-tournament, it is the perfect indoor football location. There are three dedicated, 5-A-Side pitches and three pitches for 7-A-Side games. Average hourly rates for peak times are Dhs400 and Dhs550 depending on the size of the pitch, and Dhs280 and Dhs350 for off peak hours.
3 LEARN
At Spanish Soccer Schools in Dubai your children can enjoy the same sporting education that is passed on to those who train at Spain’s most prestigious football institutions. The first Spanish Soccer School programme term begins soon, so for more information email football@ dsc.ae.
4 WEAR
Did you know you can purchase all your team’s branded sportswear online? While the sports shops in the mall are great, click on Namshi and you can scroll through endless football related merchandise from serious training items such as boots to silly scarves and hats, or even this fetching United tracksuit.
5 ENJOY
Dubai’s award-winning club, Zero Gravity is all set to get into the Premier League excitement with free entry for all the matches all season long. All the games will be streamed live with commentary at Zero Gravity’s Sports Lounge upstairs on a large video wall and screens at the bar.
6 WATCH
It’s an allencompassing documentary that will enthrall even casual football fans with its drama and passion. First Team: Juventus on Netflix follows renowned Italian club Juventus on and off the pitch as they attempt to win a seventh straight Italian title and achieve Champions League glory.