Dubai, known for its opulence and grandeur, is about to witness a spectacular sporting event that will capture the hearts of football enthusiasts across the globe. The largest Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament is set to kick off on October 7, 2023, and will continue its action-packed journey until February 24, 2024. This comprehensive article will delve into every aspect of this prestigious event, from its inception to the opportunities it presents for budding football stars.
Unveiling the Grandeur
The Organizers Behind the Extravaganza
- Dubai Sports Council (DSC): The driving force behind the tournament.
- UAE Football Association: A pivotal partner in promoting football talent.
- Inspiratus Co.: The tournament’s gracious host.
- Delta Sports Events Co.: The operational powerhouse behind the scenes.
A Gathering of the Finest
A staggering 5,000 male and female players, representing 300 teams, will converge in Dubai. These teams hail from 65 governmental and private academies, making this event a melting pot of football talent across the UAE.
A Strategic Move by Dubai Sports Council
The Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament isn’t just another football competition. It’s a strategic move by the Dubai Sports Council to attract and nurture sports talents.
DSC’s Vision
- Developing Sports Talents: Fostering the growth of budding athletes.
- Attracting Global Talent: Putting Dubai on the global football map.
- Progress and Development: Tracking the tournament’s evolution over the years.
The Grand Reveal
The tournament’s details were unveiled at a high-profile press conference featuring distinguished guests from the world of football.
Key Figures
- H.E. Saeed Hareb: Secretary General of DSC.
- H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Bin Hazam Al-Dhaheri: Secretary General of the UAE Football Association.
- Mr. Muneer Ahmed Al-Emam: President of Delta Co.
- Mr. Daniel Petrovas: CEO of Inspiratus Co.
Star-Studded Presence
The press conference witnessed the presence of notable figures from the football realm, including:
- H.E. Khaimi Yarza: Championships’ Manager in FIFA.
- H.E. Naser Aman Al-Rahma: Assistant Secretary General of DSC.
- Mr. Joan Cosco: Chairman of the FIFA Beach Soccer Executive Committee.
- Mr. Ahmed Salim Al-Mahri: Director of the Sports Development Dept. in DSC.
- Mr. Paulo Petrovas: The Football National Team’s Coach.
- Mr. Van Winkle: Technical Manager in the UAE Football Association.
- Official Persons & Coaches: Representing age groups in governmental & private academies.
A Success Story in the Making
DSC’s Pride
H.E. Saeed Hareb proudly declared, “We are proud of the remarkable success of the Tournament since its launch in 2017 under the title ‘DSC Football Academies Championship.'”
Scaling New Heights
The tournament has witnessed remarkable growth:
- Participation Increase: 2,000 more players compared to the previous year.
- Team Surge: A total of 300 teams participated.
- Global Participation: Teams from global academies like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, and Manchester City.
Nurturing Talents
A Platform for Growth
H.E. Saeed Hareb emphasized, “This Tournament provides unique opportunities for players to improve skills & acquire new experiences.”
The Spectator’s Delight
Over 20 thousand spectators will be in attendance, including families of players, scouts, and academy representatives. This influx of viewers contributes significantly to scouting and developing talents across age groups.
A Key to Success
H.E. Mohammed Bin Hazam said, “The Tournament conforms to the UAE Football Association’s goals & strategy.” It’s an ideal platform to scout talents who will represent clubs & national teams in the future.
The Host’s Perspective
A Proud Host
Mr. Daniel Petrovas expressed his pride in hosting this grand event, assuring top-notch facilities for all championships. Inspirations Co. is committed to raising the bar for football events in Dubai.
Collaborative Efforts
The event results from collaborative efforts with local staff working hand-in-hand with partners at Delta Co. Inspirations Co.’s world-class sports facilities play a pivotal role in the tournament’s organization.
Fostering Football Prodigies
The Organizers’ Aspirations
Mr. Muneer Ahmed highlighted, “We are pleased to collaborate with DSC & the UAE Football Association to organize this Tournament.”
Age Groups
Participants in this Tournament compete in eight different age groups, providing a platform for promising talents from U7 to U18.
Scouting the Future Stars
Scouts and talent hunters will be keenly observing the competitions, looking for those with distinctive skills and potential to represent clubs and national teams.
Conclusion
The Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament is not just a sporting event; it’s a platform where dreams take shape and futures are forged. With the backing of Dubai Sports Council, the UAE Football Association, and the dedication of Inspiratus Co. and Delta Sports Events Co., this tournament promises to be a monumental event in the world of football. As players gear up for 2000 matches and thousands of spectators prepare to witness history, one thing is certain – Dubai is set to shine as a global football hub.
