DSC’s youth football shows growth and potential

The second edition of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) Football Academies Championships has shown a 43 per cent increase in participation this year.

More than 66 teams in six different age categories accounting for more than 1,000 players will be in action every Saturday at the Dubai Sports City until the finale in March next year. The inaugural year had attracted a little over 700 players.

“The increase in numbers shows that this tournament has had an impact at the grassroots level, and the aim should be that we create an attractive environment for our youth and for their involvement in sport,” Omar Ali, Director of Sports Development, DSC told media at the announcement of the tournament.

Bigger goals

“Our clubs have got involved in this competition and this, in turn, helps us achieve the bigger goals set down by our leaders,” he added.

More than 100 different nationalities are competing this year with organisers lining up 32 matches every weekend at the Dubai Sports City involving teams in six different age categories — Under-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18.

The tournament has attracted teams from UAE clubs Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Ajman and Al Nasr, as well as expatriate academies like Arsenal, AS Roma, Dubai City FC, Choueifat, Go Pro, Royal FC, La Liga, Precor and Le Club France.