The chance to perform in front of 75,000 spectators at Old Trafford is the incentive for 30 UAE-based youngsters taking part in the inaugural Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) Abu Dhabi Skills Final this weekend
Two winners from the competition will earn an all-expenses paid trip to the UK to represent the UAE capital alongside aspiring young footballers from around the globe in the MUSS World Skills Final.
Kicking off at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, the event reaches its climax in front of a packed house at Old Trafford before the Red Devils’ Premiership game against promoted Norwich City on Saturday 1st October.
More than 800 seven to 16-year-olds took part in the first season of MUSS football programmes in Abu Dhabi which were launched by Reem Investments at the Dome@Rawdhat in October last year.
The MUSS skills challenge competition tested the children’s dribbling, short passing and ball control techniques, and ten winners were announced on completion of each of the three modules making up the 2010-11 programme.
“The skills challenge competition really analyses the abilities of our players but is age-handicapped so the seven year olds can compete fairly against the 16 year olds,” said Andy Dixon, head coach at MUSS in Abu Dhabi.
“The top two point scorers will receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to play on the same pitch as their heroes and meet peers from around the world. It’s the ultimate prize for any young football fan.”
The 30 finalists this weekend highlight the multi-cultural nature of the MUSS programme in Abu Dhabi, with the line-up of nationalities including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia, South Korea, Italy and France.
Determined not to let the boys steal all the limelight will be Jasmine Dougherty, a 13-year-old Japanese-American girl who was one of the module two skills challenge winners.
The second MUSS season kicks off on Saturday 1st October, 2011 with themes reflecting the dynamic styles seen from players like Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in United’s brilliant start to the 2011-12 Premiership campaign. To learn more about the MUSS programme visit www.manutdsoccerschools.ae or call 02 449 8480
