Can you kick it?

Is your little one the next global football superstar? Abu Dhabi Week took to the playing fields of the capital to see what talent is out there…

AFTER a summer where the biggest football teams across the world made some major transfer signings costing hundreds of millions of dirhams, the biggest and most exciting leagues are back… to the delight of the UAE’s fervent fans.

Catalan giants Barcelona signed Brazilian super kid Neymar, Spanish rivals Real Madrid signed Welsh wonder Gareth Bale, while Abu Dhabi’s very own Manchester City splashed out on Spanish striking sensation Alvaro Negredo.

And as the passion for the beautiful game reignites across the country, more and more children are inspired to lace up their own boots to emulate these heroes on the pitch.

But all these players had to start learning their profession somewhere, and all have their soccer school coaches to thank for taking their raw talent and love of the game and molding them into the players they are today.

Players such as Cesc Fàbregas, David Beckham and Didier Drogba all came through academy schools. All of these players and more started developing their love and passion for the game through learning institutions, and it seems like the youth of Abu Dhabi are following suit, strapping on their shin pads, to follow in the studded footsteps of the goal-scoring legends.

Abu Dhabi week went exploring the grass roots of the capital in search of soccer schools to learn about their programmes, their coaches and, of course, discover the next Lionel Messi…

Catalan Giants

FC Barcelona is one of the most recognised football clubs in the world. The Barca brand is known for their ‘total football’ style of play and have produced players such as Cesc Fàbregas, Xavi and of course, Mr Messi himself. No wonder FCB Escola UAE is such a popular choice. We spoke with FCB Escola UAE technical director Ruben Della to find out more:

What connection does the academy have with the senior team?

FCB Escola is an official branch of FCB Soccer schools; all training is carried out under close supervision of FCB. As for the senior team, our players do get a chance to meet some of them while attending the annual FCB Escola International Tournament held in Barcelona.

Where are the students on your course from?

We have a great mix, our players are from all over including Emiratis, British and Spanish.

If you could describe Barcelona FC Academy in a few words, what would they be?

This question can be simply answered by FCB’s historic slogan: ‘More than a Club.’

At the school players aged 4 to 16 years old are given the opportunity to train in the same way as the FC Barcelona first team. The FC Barcelona accredited and certified coaches have been flown in to teach the children the style of football that has become notorious around the world.

Training is held three times per week. Two of these sessions are dedicated to teaching the unique FC Barcelona techniques and skills, with a third session being held exclusively for matches. FCB Escola strive to do this whilst also transmitting the values that represent FC Barcelona: tolerance, respect, solidarity and integration.

Cost: Starting from AED 5,500 for a four-month course
Contact: 04 434 7404

Blue moon rising

Manchester City, based in England, who are owned by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, set up its soccer school in the capital in 2010, boasting world class facilities and coaches to match. We spoke with head coach Simon Hewitt about the Sky Blues’ programme.

What is the Manchester City School of Football in Abu Dhabi?

The School of Football is based at Zayed Sports City, (ZSC) and the pre-season term is starting in a couple weeks indoors at Officers Club. After pre-season, the course at ZSC is for children up to the age of 18. We are a team of fully qualified coaches who have all worked in Manchester and use the same methods here in Abu Dhabi that everyone at the club uses. Fun is a huge part of what we do but the youngsters are all really progressing in terms of skill levels and fitness.

What skill levels do you have on the course?

Everyone has different abilities and it is our job to keep working on a player’s strengths and also look at ways of improving other areas. I have to be honest, all the coaches did not expect the skill levels we have seen and it’s been absolutely fantastic.

What students do you have on the course?

We are thrilled to see so many kids from Abu Dhabi participating. We have the ability to coach any young player – all they must have is the passion to play.

What connection does the School of Football have with the senior team?

We use exactly the same training methods so the way in which Vincent Kompany defends in the Premier League is taught by us along with something like the attacking runs Sergio Aguero makes when he is playing.

What are the foundations of MCFC and School of Football?

The first team is obviously results driven and we have to retain some elements of competitiveness at the School of Football. But we always have an emphasis on making what we do fun.

How did you get into training? Why?

I am a former player and was always interested in coaching. The goal for me is to develop players both in terms of how they play and the way they act both on and off the pitch.

If you could describe the School of Football in three words, what would they be?

Fun, skill and discipline.

Where: Zayed Sports City
When: Pre-season – from 8th September. Term 1 – from  20th October
Course Price(s): Pre-season AED 1,150 and AED 8,500 whole season
Contact: [email protected]

The Galacticos

Real Madrid. Renowned for the Bernabeu, big spending and of course, big names. The school started in 2011 and has since grown not only due to the club’s prestigious name, but also due to the mentality and ethos of the coaching staff.

In cooperation with Baniyas, the Real Madrid Foundation Academy in the UAE has formed the Real Madrid Academy Technical School, which caters to the needs of the UAE youth between the ages of 4 and 17. The school focuses on discovering new young talents and coaching them towards sporting professionalism.

In June 2012, the Real Madrid Foundation Academy UAE successfully completed the first season of its technical school, which was hosted at Brighton College, and then relocated to the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi during the second season.

Presently, the Academy is planning on kicking off its third season, commencing on 21st September in the capital. The training times will be from 5pm to 6.10pm for children aged 4 to 10 years and from 6.20pm to 7.30pm for 11 to 17 year olds.

All the Academy coaches are qualified to a certified standard by their relevant home country football associations. They are experienced in the delivery of both technical and social football programmes. In fact, many coaches were professional football players themselves before they joined the Academy.

At the Real Madrid Foundation Academy, they have much to be proud of. Recently one of the students, a 14-year-old local player from the Dubai Academy, was signed by Al Wasl Club. There are many rising stars within the academy and they are sure to see many more in the future.

Price: Starting AED 1,000
Contact: 800 REAL (7325)

Mini Kickers

Starting Friday 13th September for football-mad boys and girls in the capital. Due to popular demand, they have extended their coaching ages to include a programme for 7-9 year olds, to be held on Saturday mornings. Children can improve their football skills and techniques and have fun in a friendly atmosphere. Coaching sessions, including a girls-only session, are held on Fridays and Saturdays indoors at The Dome@Rawdhat, off Airport Road.

Cost: Starting from AED 600
Contact: [email protected]

Abu Dhabi Thistles

This is not just coaching – this is competing. One of the most recognised clubs in the city, Abu Dhabi Thistles has firmly established itself in the capital as one of the best. Formed in 2006, teams range from U7 to U18 and the club boasts over 200 members. The Thistles also have girls teams competing at U12, U14 and U18. Thistle is a non profit-making family club, run completely by volunteers. With an aim to provide affordable, competitive football in a friendly and fun environment, it’s clear why the club is so popular. Trials are on Sunday 8th and 15th September and training for accepted players starts on 22nd September.

Cost: Starting from AED 1,000
Contact: [email protected]

Al Ethihad Sports Academy

Al Ethihad Sports Academy was launched in May 2012 with 20 students and now, having trained more than 600 students, the academy is growing at an impressive rate. The academy has eight coaches, headed by Mikayel Zakarayan, the academies football administrator, along with coaches from the UK, Belgium, Ghana, Tanzania, Egypt and India. Coaching is on every Friday and Saturday at various venues, mainly at Zayed Sports City, Al Jazira Sports Club and the Officers Club. Age groups of U6 to U19.

Cost: Monthly fee AED 375
Registration online:  www.alethihadsportsacdemy.com

Jack Dignum