Good response to DSW indoor tournaments

Run by some of the world’s biggest sporting brands and leading UAE sports institutions, the DSW calendar of football, cricket, badminton and basketball tournaments has proven as popular as ever.

The Six-a-side football will be one of the top attractions

Dubai – With summer temperatures soaring, the UAE’s most enthusiastic sports fans are preparing to soak in the heat by competing in a series of indoor team tournaments to be held at Dubai Sports World (DSW) from June 21 to August 29.

Run by some of the world’s biggest sporting brands and leading UAE sports institutions, the DSW calendar of football, cricket, badminton and basketball tournaments has proven as popular as ever. Designed to bring the community together during the Holy Month of Ramadan and beyond, the DSW tournaments offer experienced and novice players alike the chance to play with friends, family and colleagues at the UAE’s largest indoor sports arena.

With spaces filling up fast and only a few more days to register, Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice President – Venues, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), urged teams keen to display their dominance to log their interest at www.dubaisportsworld.ae. “The tournaments at Dubai Sports World always bring out people’s competitive nature and I’ve no doubt we’ll see healthy rivalries on all our pitches and courts again this year,” said Alkhaja.

“The community’s love of sport and fitness doesn’t end with the rising summer temperatures and the indoor tournaments at Dubai Sports World venue are always popular for families, friends and colleagues to get together, have fun and stay active during the hotter months.”

Leading the DSW tournaments is the adidas #BeTheDifference 6-a-side football tournament. Open to corporate and social teams of all ages and abilities, teams will don the jerseys of European clubs that qualified for the 2015 Uefa Champions League.

Teams will play on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9-11 pm during June 23 and July 16. Entry is priced at Dhs 3,000 for a team of 11 with cash prizes of up to Dhs 6,000 up for grabs for the eventual winner, plus runner-up cash prizes for second and third place.

Competition will be tough with the likes of Dubai Allstars FC, a stalwart of the local Dubai Amateur Football League (DAFL), Fitness First and DP World.

“The boys are raring to go,” said Scott McWilliam, Dubai Allstars FC. “We don’t always get the chance to play together as a team during the summer, so we’re looking forward to going indoors and testing our skills. I’m sure there will be some fierce competition but we’re looking to add more silverware to the Allstars trophy cabinet.”

Duplays is also looking for the UAE’s finest football talent with its Duplays Ramadan Football Cup. A time slot between 7 and 9 pm has been set for entries.

The basketball action gets underway at the DXB2 – UAE Conference Basketball. With entry set at Dhs 3,500 for a team of eight, 30 teams will attempt to dribble and dunk their way to victory on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

More basketball and the Dubai Sports World Basketball League will see an additional 16 teams competing from July 6 to 30 on Monday or Thursday evenings 8pm – 10pm.