Fujairah’s Egyptian Club plans a new ball game
Growth in demand for healthy activities prompts members to seek help in adding soccer pitch, gym gear and computers
FUJAIRAH // A sports, social and cultural club that has served the east coast community for 38 years is looking for extra help to provide more services and activities.
It hopes to buy a football pitch, host competitions, find sponsors for charity activities and provide free courses for high school pupils. The Egyptian Club was established in 1978 with the support of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and members of the Egyptian families who are members. The club provides activities such as football, taekwondo, table tennis competitions, music rehearsals and singing. The club pays Dh1,400 a month to rent a football field for an hour, three times a week. It rents it in the daytime only as prices nearly double in the evening, said Dr Arafa.
“Unfortunately, we had also cancelled the football courses in summer as we can’t afford to pay Dh2,600 to rent the soccer field in the evening,” he said. The club has a main room for indoor activities and a semi-outdoor hall that can be used in winter, as well as a reception area, a small gymnasium and two staff offices.
“We also need support to build a library and add more computers and equipment to the gym,” said Dr Arafa. “Almost all of our services are free while only token charges are being paid (for others) by the members, and we charge them Dh100 per month for the sports activities for each participant.”
Mohammed Yassin, a 44-yearold Egyptian father of five, said the club has provided help to many people.
“They are always there when you need them. They provide help as much as they can and offer training activities that keep the kids busy,” said Mr Yassin.
“My kids participate in almost all the activities and events, and my 12-year-old boy takes taekwondo lessons.
“It serves all the community members from many nationalities.”