Chelsea football star coaches local children
Shaun Wright-Phillips, the Chelsea and England football star, has been passing on some of his silky soccer skills to local children in Abu Dhabi.
Wright-Phillips hosted a football clinic for a group of children at the Emirates Palace hotel courteous of Etihad Airways, platinum partner of Chelsea FC.
The children were treated to an array of footballing tips which included trying to master Shaun’s lightening quick dribbling and shooting techniques. The clinic concluded with a special match with Shaun coaching and encouraging the children.
Shaun said: “This is my first visit to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways and it has been a fantastic experience to play football in such a wonderful location at Emirates Palace. There is clearly a huge appetite for football in the UAE and I am thrilled to have helped train some of the Emirati youngsters.”
Etihad Airways began its partnership with Chelsea in September 2007 and has seen the airline host the inaugural Chelsea Soccer Schools February 2008 as well as bringing current and former players out to the UAE’s capital.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said: “Etihad Airways is proud to once again host the biggest names in sport here in Abu Dhabi and at the same time boost our strong partnership with Chelsea FC.
“Shaun is a fantastic player and a great inspiration for the children who took part in the football clinic. Who knows they may one day go on to be Chelsea’s first Emirati player?”
Photo caption: Shaun Wright-Phillips, the Chelsea and England football star, has been passing on some of his silky soccer skills to local children in Abu Dhabi. Wright-Phillips (centre) hosted a football clinic for a group of children at the Emirates Palace hotel courteous of Etihad Airways, platinum partner of Chelsea FC.