Workshop for Venue Managers held

The Venue Members who attended the two-day PLC induction workshop. — Supplied photo

The scheme will see each club employ a dedicated Emirati professional as Venue Manager to oversee stadium operations and improve match day experience. Colin Smith, CEO of the Pro League Committee, opened the workshop with a welcoming speech in which he congratulated the Venue Managers on being selected and touched on the benefits of attending the workshop to prepare them for assuming their new position.

“We are delighted to be introducing this new position at each club, and as Venue Managers you will be playing a key role before, during and after every game. You are uniquely placed to play a leading role in the development of UAE football as this is a totally new position, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact,” Smith told the assembled Venue Managers, adding that the Pro League Committee is on hand to support and assist at all times in order to make a success of the new initiative.

Michelle Chai, PLC Technical & Competitions Director, gave an informative and interactive presentation detailing the structure of FIFA and the various associations, committees and unions before honing in on the objectives behind introducing the new Venue Manager position at all 14 professional clubs in the UAE, with the main reasons being the standardisation of procedures in all stadia to improve match day organisation and experience.