Future stars on the mark at ADIB Football Champions League

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Future stars on the mark at ADIB Football Champions League
Pro Active Soccer School (white) beat Kindergarten Starters (blue) to claim the under-10 title at the ADIB Football Future Champions League Finals at Dubai Sports City on Saturday.

Dubai - There were eight qualifying tournaments played out in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ajman this season

By James Jose

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Published: Sat 11 Mar 2017, 9:04 PM

Last updated: Sat 11 Mar 2017, 11:08 PM

There is perhaps no other sport than the 'beautiful game' that enjoys so much of popularity and passion, be it young or old.
Football fans and people who pursue the 'beautiful game' are one of a kind and in a country like the UAE, where football is the favourite and miles ahead of the rest, the game continues to grow.
The UAE top flight, since its inception in the 1973-74 season, has continued to grow as well and turned professional in 2008.
The Pro League Committee (PLC), which runs the Arabian Gulf League with the backing and support of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), has been keen on investing in grassroots level football to unearth future stars. And one such initiative has been the ADIB Football Future Champions League. Into its fifth season, the initiative has seen tremendous response from schools from different emirates as well as football academies.
There were eight qualifying tournaments played out in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ajman this season and 2,800 children from 96 schools and academies took part in the competition.
And in the finals at the Dubai Sports City, Sports Village, Pro Active Soccer Schools, Dubai National School and Abu Dhabi Country Club emerged champions in the different age group categories.
Pro Active Soccer Schools, based in Abu Dhabi, won the Under-10 segment by defeating Kindergarten Starters 4-3 on penalties after the score was deadlocked 1-1 in regulation time.
Dubai National School, from Al Twar, triumphed in the Under-12 category with a solitary goal win over Dubai International School, Al Garhoud. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Country Club blanked Dubai International School, Al Garhoud 2-0 in the Under-14 final.
Al Ain defender Mohamed Ahmed and midfielder Dawoud Ali as well as Al Jazira winger Angel Lafita watched the final
Pro Active Soccer Schools, based in Abu Dhabi, won the Under-10 segment, while Dubai National School, from Al Twar, triumphed in the Under-12 category.
The Abu Dhabi Country Club took home the honours in the Under-14 section. Around 54 teams and 650 players took part in the finals on Saturday. There were various off-field activities as well like a fan zone, football freestylers show and an African Drums show.
ADIB, the official bank of the Arabian Gulf League, with its national grassroots football programme, aims to get more children nationwide playing competitive football and promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The popular competition enjoys the full support of the Pro League Committee, Dubai Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
?Since its launch the league has expanded nationwide, and now offers over 2,000 children annually the opportunity to join in a truly competitive tournament at professional-class venues. All participating children received ADIB football kits, lunches and refreshments.
james@khaleejtimes.com


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