Wenger expects World Cup to inspire Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai pupils
DUBAI, U.A.E., 15th September 2010: Inspired by the image of Cesc Fabregas setting up the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup™ final, Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai pupils will have an extra spring in their step when the new term gets under way.
The Arsenal captain – who met many of the pupils when he visited Dubai last year – is the player almost every youngster at the school dreams of emulating and his heroics for Spain helped take football fever to new heights in the UAE this summer.
Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai was a huge hit last year with youngsters keen to learn to Play the Arsenal Way, the exciting, free-flowing skilful style which is the hallmark of Arsène Wenger, but the new season is expected to be even busier.
And as the school prepares to celebrate its first birthday, the club’s first-team manager believes a good platform is now in place for the school to help budding players improve their game.
Wenger - who is globally renowned for his ability to nurture young talent - said: “Football always enjoys a surge in popularity following a World Cup, especially among youngsters, so we are expecting pupils to be extra keen to learn new skills.
“It is important for children to have good role models like Cesc so it was fantastic to see him play such a key part in the goal which kids will be recreating in playgrounds in Dubai and throughout the rest of the world.
“We have a great team of coaches in Dubai who are looking forward to welcoming youngsters back after the summer.
“They have been trained to follow a coaching programme based on the same principles we teach our first-team players in London.
“Of course, there is a focus on developing young players’ technical skills and passion for the game. We want to help them become the best players they possibly can be, but we also put a great emphasis on enjoyment. It is a great opportunity for children to realise their potential while having great fun at the same time.”
Gareth Hamilton - head coach of Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai, which is open to boys and girls aged five to 18 – is also excited about the new term, which kicks off on 27th September.
“I am looking to build on the success of the first year and will be introducing several new initiatives. It was great to see the progress made by all the pupils last year and particularly pleasing to see that many of them have the ability to improve further.
“Those players aged nine and above who show the most potential this season will be selected for development squads for their age group, with the classes tailored to help them push on to the next level.
“In addition, high ability players aged 17-18 with aspirations to secure a college scholarship will have the chance to sign up for a class which will help them prepare for their application.
“Also, many of the players will have the chance to play competitive matches against other schools, as well as face up to fellow pupils at game days which will be held twice every term.
“It is a real inspiration for pupils to meet their heroes and last year we were very lucky to have Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Mikael Silvestre, Kieran Gibbs and Manuel Almunia visit Dubai, so - fingers crossed - we will be welcoming more special guests in the not too distant future.”
The school – a joint venture between Arsenal and Emirates based at 7he Sevens, the airline’s dedicated sporting facility on the Al Ain Road – operates three 10-week terms per year, with enrolment starting at Dhs 1650, which includes an Arsenal training kit, water bottle, cap and sports holdall.
For more information, visit www.playthearsenalway.com/Dubai. You can also e-mail arsenaladmin@emirates.com or call +971 (0) 4 809 6679 or +971 (0) 509 509794.