Successful Conclusion for Dubai Sports Council Football Talents Development Program in Dubai Clubs
Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has successfully concluded the Program of the 'Football Talents Development Centers in Dubai Clubs' for the age groups from 12 to 17 years old, which was launched by the Council as part of its endeavors to attract, scout & develop sports talents and according to Dubai Government's policy to support talents in various fields. The Program witnessed remarkable participation of 100 promising players, who were nominated out of elite of talents from Dubai clubs. Nominated players were subject to several technical & physical tryouts, held under supervision of football academies' technical supervisors, including coaches, assistant coaches & experts from the Sportify & Talents Academies. The tryouts were also arranged under administrative supervision of academies managers & teams administrators. Players were classified into three training centers as per age categories as follows: players in the age category from 12 to 13 years old were trained at the Talents Development Center of Al-Wasl Club, while players from 14 to 15 years old received trainings at Shabab Al-Ahli Club Center and players from 16 to 17 years old were trained at Al-Nasr Club Center. It is worth-mentioning that DSC has launched the Program of the Football Talent Development Centers in Dubai Clubs for basketball, handball & volleyball sports in collaboration with technical bodies of the respective sports federations and in partnership with Dubai Clubs; these are: Shabab Al-Ahli, Al-Nasr, Al-Wasl & Hatta. The Program targets to attract the best talents in different team & individual sports games and to attract them into specialized training centers, which are managed under supervision of technical staff of top competence. Full support, development programs besides opportunities for competitions and gaining of distinctive experiences were all provided at the training centers. The program also aims to develop the technical, healthy, nutritional, and academic aspects of the players, and to provide an ideal environment for boosting talents in a modern scientific way, in addition to preparing a profile for each talent & participating in international competitions. Comprehensive technical reports are prepared by the end of each season, as part of strategic policy to promote distinguished players of different age groups, leading to the formation of qualified national teams to attain international achievements. The Program enhances the competences of local coaches & assistant coaches of first teams.
Further tryouts are decided to be held during the next sports season to supply centers with the best talents. Gatherings & camps will also be organized including matches, intensive trainings and theoretical & practical awareness lectures, in addition to physical tryouts to be held under supervision of technical coaches of academies and in collaboration with partners from the public & private sectors.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
5 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy Atiqa joins professional motorsport programme
Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old Dubai-based Indian karting prodigy has become the youngest driver from the region to secure a place in a professional motorsport development programme, following her signing as an official AKCEL GP Academy driver. This landmark move signals a powerful shift in motorsport accessibility and diversity, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to nurturing next-generation talent and establishing itself as a global hub for motorsport excellence. A rising star in the karting circuit, Atiqa has already made a name for herself with her fearless driving, consistent podium finishes, and an unwavering passion for racing. She has competed in some of the world's most prestigious karting championships, including the Rotax Euro Trophy, Rotax International Trophy, IAME Series (UAE and Europe), WSK Euro Series, WSK Super Master Series, and the Champions of the Future Academy. The timing of this partnership aligns with the official launch of the AKCEL GP Academy—the cornerstone development initiative of AKCEL GP, the UAE-based high-performance motorsport team competing in FIA F4, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, and FIA F3. Opening in Abu Dhabi in August 2025, the Academy will serve as a cutting-edge training ground for the next generation of racing talent from the UAE and abroad. The Academy's inaugural batch will feature 15 promising young drivers and is committed to offering a structured and competitive pathway beginning with elite karting championships and advancing through the ranks of single-seater racing. Speaking on Atiqa's signing, Amit Kaushal, Group Chairman of AKCEL Group, said, 'Atiqa's talent, focus, and composure on track are well beyond her years. We're proud to welcome her to the AKCEL GP family and support her long-term journey toward Formula 1. Over the next 15 years, we're committed to guiding her development from karting to single-seaters as she grows into a world-class racer and future F1 contender.' As Atiqa begins her training in Abu Dhabi, she will follow a carefully structured development program designed to prepare young drivers for the demands of professional motorsport. Her training will combine simulator sessions, physical conditioning, mental coaching, race craft development, and in-depth performance analysis. A key focus of her time with AKCEL GP Academy will be competing in championships across the UAE and Europe, providing her with essential on-track experience and exposure to high-level competition early in her career. The goal is to lay a strong foundation of skills, discipline, and racecraft with a clear vision: Formula 1 as the ultimate destination. Reflecting on this new chapter in her journey, Atiqa said, 'Racing is everything to me. It's where I feel strong, fast, and free. Joining AKCEL GP Academy is a dream come true, and I want to show young girls like me from Dubai and India that we can compete at the highest levels. One day, I hope to race in Formula 1, and I'm ready to work hard to get there.' The UAE's support for motorsport development has grown rapidly over the past decade. The nation is home to internationally acclaimed circuits such as Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Autodrome and hosts one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Epsom Derby drama awaits as Godolphin double up for racing's greatest test
It's the race that defines legends, breaks hearts, and crowns the bravest. On Saturday, the two-century-old Epsom Derby returns to its feared Surrey home promising to deliver another epic clash of class, courage and stamina. This year's renewal is one of the most open in recent memory with a full field of 19 runners, the largest since 2003, set to face the starter at 6.30 pm (UAE time - live on Dubai Racing Channel). Among a field of emerging talents still finding their feet, the unmistakable royal blue silks of Godolphin stand out as a powerful presence. For Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Derby has always been more than just a race - it's an obsession. A cornerstone of his lifelong pursuit to dominate global flat racing, this is the crown jewel that he has won three times since 1995 with Lammtarra, Masar (2018) and Adayar (2021). The Dubai powerhouse arrives with two live bullets in the chamber- Ruling Court and Tornado Alert - both primed to bring home the trophy again. The Class Act The headline act is undoubtedly the Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court, who stormed to victory in the 2,000 Guineas last month with the authority of a horse destined for greatness. A son of American Triple Crown champion Justify, the sire of last year's Derby hero City Of Troy, Ruling Court combines American toughness with deep European classic credentials. Trainer Charlie Appleby, no stranger to Derby glory himself having trained both Masar (2018) and Adayar, has sounded a note of quiet confidence. 'You don't really know until you run the mile and a half at Epsom,' he admitted, 'but Ruling Court ticks a lot of boxes. He's got the class, the balance, and mentally he's as sound as they come.' After a winter campaign in Dubai and that brilliant Guineas win at Newmarket, he'll bid to join a select group of just 19 colts to have completed the fabled Guineas–Derby double - a feat that demands both speed and staying power, a rare blend even among elite three-year-olds. The Sleeper: Tornado Alert If Ruling Court brings the firepower, Tornado Alert brings the intrigue. Trained by Godolphin veteran Saeed bin Suroor - who last won the Derby three decades ago with Lammtarra, this homebred by Too Darn Hot has been quietly improving with every start. He shaped well behind Ruling Court in the Guineas and is expected to thrive over the longer distance, particularly given his pedigree and relaxed racing style. With two-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy taking the reins, hopes are high that Tornado Alert might just spring a surprise. "He's a horse with a lovely temperament and should handle Epsom's unique demands,' said bin Suroor. 'The track tests everything—a horse's mind, movement and stamina—but this one gives me a good feeling.' Rivals to Watch Standing between Godolphin and Derby glory is, inevitably, Aidan O'Brien. The Ballydoyle maestro returns with three strong contenders, led by Delacroix, a 9/4 favourite chasing O'Brien's record-extending 11th Derby win. Though yet to contest a Group 1, Delacroix's pair of Group 3 wins this season, especially over Chester Vase winner Lambourn, have pushed him to favouritism. The Lion In Winter and Lambourn offer depth to the O'Brien challenge, but many eyes will be on Pride Of Arras, the unbeaten winner of the Group1 Dante Stakes - the most reliable of Derby trials. Representing Ralph Beckett and partnered by Rossa Ryan, he has the profile of a serious stayer and is bred for Epsom's rigours, with two of his three siblings having already won here. A Race That Demands Everything Unlike the wide, galloping expanses of Ascot, Newmarket or the Curragh, Epsom Downs is a beast all its own. The camber, the bends, the raucous Derby-day atmosphere all add layers to the challenge that statistics can't capture. The Derby course is a true examination of balance, bravery, and athleticism for horse and rider. The mile-and-a-half contest starts high on the Epsom hill, with the horses breaking away into a sweeping left-hand descent that tests their coordination from the very first stride. The infamous Tattenham Corner, a sharp bend taken at galloping speed, leads directly into the long, undulating home straight - a place where races are both won and lost. It's not just about staying 12 furlongs, it's about surviving the gauntlet of obstacles. One mistake, one misstep, and the dream can evaporate. That's what makes this Epsom Derby so special, unpredictable and thrilling.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall
Are you a fan of Abu Dhabi-owned English Premier League side Manchester City and want to get your hands on some cool club merchandise, but live in Dubai? Fret not. The 10-time Premier League champions have opened a new store at the Dubai Mall. It marks the second retail store of the 2022-23 Champions League winners after Yas Mall in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The outlet at Dubai Mall also joins flagship stores Manchester City Stadium Store and Arndale City store in the city of Manchester, England, as well as pop-ups in New York City and Seoul. Fans of the club, kitted by German manufacturer Puma, will have access to merchandise as well as some memorabilia collections. The store at Dubai Mall introduces an updated version of the brand's award-winning 'Field of Play' concept, designed to reflect stadium and fan culture. The Dubai location features elements such as locker-style zones and visuals from iconic Manchester City matches. City, who won four successive Premier League titles in 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24, didn't quite have the season according to the high benchmarks that they set. Nonetheless, The Sky Blues, managed by former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician Pep Guardiola, finished third in the League behind perennial rivals champions Liverpool and Arsenal.
