Silvestre is head boy at Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai
DUBAI, U.A.E., 9th October 2009 – Pupils at Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai are shooting for the stars after being given a coaching master class by Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre.
The French international made a surprise visit to 7he Sevens during the first week of term to sign autographs and help out with the training drills.
The 32-year-old gave advice to the aspiring footballers aiming to follow in his footsteps and play in the English Premier League.
And he sees no reason why this can’t happen.
"The boss is world-renowned for his ability to nurture young talent and the coaching will be based on the same principles that he teaches us in the first team.
"With this platform, there is every chance that a kid from this school could become the first player from the Middle East to become an English Premier League star."
One pupil who is already on her way to the Premier League is Nina Zammit Moore. The five-year-old, from Malta, and her mother Geraldine won a dream trip to the Emirates to see her heroes play Chelsea on November 29.
Runner-up in the Emirates and Orbit Showtime competition was nine-year-old Daniel Clamens, who won a free place on the school’s second term, which gets under way on January 4.
Limited places are still available for the first term, with each 10-week term costing Dhs 1,500 for one session per week, with fees of Dhs 2,500 for two sessions a week. Each session is between 60 to 75 minutes in duration.
For more information on the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai and to see video footage of Silvestre training with the kids, please visit www.arsenalsoccerschoolsdubai.com or call +971 4 809 6679.
Contact: Matt Howard, Emirates Corporate Communications
Tel: (+9714) 708 2165, Mob: (+97150) 6521373. E-mail: matt.howard@emirates.com Visit: www.theemiratesgroup.com
About Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai
The school is open to boys and girls, with classes available in both Arabic and English. More than 1000 children - aged between five and 18 - will be trained each year. The first 10-week term kicked off on 5th October.
In addition to the children based in the UAE, Emirates will be opening up the opportunity to youngsters from around the world. With non-stop flights to Dubai with Emirates from six continents, parents will have the chance to relax while their kids enjoy coaching classes at a magnificent training facility.
In 2004, Emirates and Arsenal signed the biggest club sponsorship in English football history. In addition to the Fly Emirates logo on the players’ shirts, Emirates also has naming rights of Arsenal’s home, Emirates Stadium. Elsewhere, the airline sponsors Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Hamburger SV, AC Milan and Olympiacos FC. It is also the Official Sponsor and Airline of BEC Tero Sasana from Thailand.
Emirates’ affinity with football continues as it is an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™ and Official Airline and Partner of the Asian Football Confederation. The airline is also heavily involved in rugby, cricket, golf, horseracing, sailing and tennis.
Arsenal have been operating soccer schools within the UK and globally for more than 20 years and around 40,000 children have already learned to Play the Arsenal Way. Visitwww.playthearsenalway.comfor further details.