The second successful season of the Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) programme in Dubai has concluded, with the students demonstrating strong development and a greater passion for the game, following 20 weeks of training.
The 768 young football enthusiasts from across the region gathered at the MUSS venue, based at the Al Wasl Football Club for a special end of season ceremony, attended by parents and coaching staff.
“Every participant in the MUSS programme deserves congratulations for their hard work and dedication, and we’re very pleased with the progress that the players have made,” said MUSS head coach, Mike Duxbury.
The ceremony provided the ideal opportunity for the winners of this season’s Skills Tests to be announced.
Philippe ¬¬¬ El Khoury and Jamie Donovan– were named as overall winners, picking up their UAE World Skills Finalists trophy. As winners of this season’s skills test competition –Philippe ¬¬¬ El Khoury and Jamie Donovan– will represent the Dubai program later in the year at the World Skills Final being held at Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford stadium.
The unique MUSS series of skills tests are designed by the club’s coaches so that all participants can compete on level terms, regardless of their age.
Philippe ¬¬¬ El Khoury and Jamie Donovan proved their talent throughout the 20 week programme at MUSS by scoring the highest total of points within all age groups.
Khalid Al Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City said “Manchester United Soccer Schools are designed to enable all children, to achieve their optimum level. Football has a great way of bringing all nationalities together which has been evident on the course this season with such a diverse range of nationalities being represented, which is something we very much want to continue to support.”
About Dubai Sports City:
Dubai Sports City (DSC) is the world's first integrated purpose-built sports city set in 50 million square feet of land.
The development will be centred around four magnificent stadia:
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• a 60,000 capacity multi-purpose outdoor stadium for football, rugby, track and field and other sports and non-sports events
• a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena suitable for all hard court sports as well as concerts and other events and also including a removable ice rink
• a 25,000 capacity dedicated cricket stadium
• a 5,000 seat field hockey stadium
In addition to the stadia, Dubai Sports City will feature a series of major sports academy facilities including:
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• the first purpose-built Manchester United Soccer School anywhere in the world
• a David Lloyd Tennis Academy
• a Butch Harmon School of Golf, one of only two in the world, the other being in Las Vegas
• the International Cricket Council's own ICC global cricket academy
• top class multi-sport training facilities including gymnasium and a 50 metre swimming pool
• a world renowned sports rehabilitation centre
About Dubailand:
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• The unique project spread over 3 billion sq. ft. will attract millions of tourists annually from all around the world.
• Several projects under Dubailand are under construction with investments by UAE, GCC and international investors in the existing projects reaching AED 35 billion.
• It is expected that the total investments will reach AED 65 billion during the next 18 months with the announcement of more projects which are under study.
• The diverse projects under Dubailand include leisure, entertainment, theme parks, eco- tourism, shopping malls, restaurants and residential units.
• Dubailand will play an important role in catalyzing the position of Dubai as an international hub of family tourism attracting 15 million tourists annually by 2010.
About Manchester United Soccer Schools:
Manchester United Soccer Schools is run by Manchester United Merchandising, which is a subsidiary of Nike under the 13-year commercial alliance between the Club and Nike. MUSS offers coaching courses for footballers of all ages and ability, from eight years old through to adults. MUSS coaching and skills development programmes are consistent with the philosophy used by the famous Manchester United Youth Academy. More than 40 UEFA-qualified coaches run the courses in the UK and overseas.
