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Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club has unveiled an under-13 soccer event targeting expatriate children, the idea being conceived by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Sponsored by Sorouh Real Estate, the six-a-side event will see eight teams play out a league-cum-knockout format starting from Wednesday.
Mohammad Al Mahmoud of Abu Dhabi Sports Club said the inaugural edition has been limited to eight teams but from next year this event could grow into a full-time league.
"We will be planning a bigger event next year. We feel this event will bring together all the communities in the capital. But more importantly we feel we can tap the talent," he said.
While the various soccer clubs in the UAE have junior level programmes there are a large number of expatriate youngsters from football-playing countries who do not have many avenues to develop their game and this initiative could help rope in and harness this talent.
Exposure
"We are confident that this event will throw up some promising youngsters and we will help these budding players by introducing them to the leading soccer clubs in the UAE," Mahmoud said.
The teams playing in this inaugural event are the German School, the French School, Al Raha International School, Al Wardiya Private School, Al Worood Private School, Al Zafra Private School, Football for All Team and Abu Dhabi Sports Club.
"Sorouh Real Estate has been part of the local community since the company's inception two and a half years ago. Its unwavering support for the various activities in the UAE reflects the company's commitment to and its endeavours towards ensuring effective social responsibility," said Masood Al Awar of Sorouh.
"Our support to this event reflects Sorouh's long-term commitment towards a crucial part of our lives," Al Awar added.
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