Players on the Sharjah pitches of duFC’s UAE Schools Cup and Streets Cup are already setting high standards in the second season of duFC, and rival teams from Abu Dhabi and Dubai will need to up their game to catch up.
The Northern Emirates Group stages, played over two weeks, saw crowds of supporters coming out to support the young footballers who played fiercely to try and make it to the top of their groups.
Al Maarifa International Private School, in the UAE Schools Cup’s Under-16 category, played with passion and speed, working as a solid unit to finish the day at the top of their group.
In the U-14 category Al Maarifa and Al Khaleej Al Arabi School impressed with fast-paced play and flawless passing, with Al Maarifa’s Alaa Mohammed and Al Khaleej player Ryan Soilman catching the scout’s attention.
Ghariba Salem from Al Shifa Sun School was the star over on the girl’s pitches. With flashy footwork she led her team to victory, scoring three goals and creating two more.
Some of the most impressive teams on the pitches of the Streets Cup included Dream Team, Team Adnan and the Professional Academy.
The teams played highly tactical games, littered with fantastic passes, speed and agility.
Players who caught the eye included Yousef Hamouda, Uthman Sarwar and Akram Al Mahi.
Other players whose progress La Liga scouts will be following closely include Muhammad Arif from Maysaoon, Mohammad Al Hammmadi from Al Joker, and Youcef Safi from Just Do It.
Championship director Michel Salgado said: “To see so many children from across the Northern Emirates coming out to play their favorite sport and try to earn a spot in the winning teams or to be scouted is truly amazing.
“My team of scouts and I will be out every week and we encourage the youth to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Marwa Abdullah, from Al Shifa Sun School, said: “I love football and to have this opportunity to play for duFC is amazing for our team, because there isn’t much for women’s football in the UAE.
“It’s the first time we have the chance to be a part of such a huge tournament and I hope our team makes it to the next round in Dubai.”
