Football’s next global superstar could be in action this week when the Team Tours Direct Dubai International Super Cup kicks off.
Spanish super club Real Madrid head the list of entrants, as some of the best young talent in the sport descends on the UAE from tomorrow until Saturday.
More than 10 nations, including England, India and Canada, are sending teams to compete with Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s finest at 7he Sevens Stadium.
Both Al Nasr and Al Shabab from the Arabian Gulf League will also be represented, where sides range from Under-8s to Under-18s level.
The Under-8s and Under-10s team will play seven-a-side games, while the Under-12s, Under-14s, Under-16s and Under-18s side have 11 players.
Entry to watch the fourth running of this annual event is free. For those attending, the first two days in all ages will feature group stage games followed by two days of knockout matches.
“For TTD Management creating and operating events like the TTD Dubai International Super Cup is always an exciting venture,” TTD Management chairman Terry O’Neill said. “The tournament has now become a leading youth football event in the Middle East.
“Support from the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has been critical to establish and grow the TTD Dubai International Super Cup. The vision they have shown to guide TTD to develop high quality sports events in Dubai like this personifies the reasons why so many major sports from around the world are now bringing their elite teams to compete in Dubai.”
The UAE has developed into a hub for leading teams to travel to at this time of year as they seek out warm weather environments, with top-rate training facilities.
TTD Management operates numerous Super Cups around the world. In just four years, the event in Dubai has rapidly become recognised globally as a major youth sports tournament.
TTD Management is already forecasting substantial annual growth for the tournament, with the 2015 TTD Dubai International Super Cup expected to be even bigger with more nations attending.
Such is the prestige of the tournament across the globe that trials have been going on throughout Kenya to find the leading young footballers in the country to play for a rising stars team.
With such a showcase of football talent on display, a trip to 7he Sevens this weekend could give you a first-hand glimpse of the next Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
What: Team Tours Direct Dubai International Super Cup
Where: 7he Sevens Stadium
When: April 16-19
Website: www.ttdsupercup.com
TEAMS
U-8s
Arsenal (Bahrain), David Nakhid (Lebanon), E Sports, Arsenal Dubai, Spanish Soccer Schools, Al Shabab, Al Nasr, German Soccer Academy
U-10s
Arsenal (Bahrain) x2, Mini Madrid, E Sports Alonso, E Sports Bale, Mondial, Brazilian Int. FA (India), Arsenal Dubai, Spanish Soccer Schools, Al Shabab, Braeburn Arusha (Tanzania)
U-12s
Emmarentia Sporting (South Africa), E Sports, Arsenal Dubai, Mondial, BIFA (India), Go Pro, Al Shabab, Smart Football Academy, Real Madrid
U-14s
E Sports, Vintage Academy (Kenya), Mondial, Alasifa, Braeburn (Kenya), Dubai United, Dubai Colts, Super Stars FC, Al Nasr, Le Club
U-16s
Queensmead (England), Dubai Tigers, Bellevue (South Africa), St Thomas (New Zealand), St Andrews, Adastra Blue, Adastra Gold, ACP Canada, REFA Black, Precor Black, It’s Just Football, Nairobi Rising Stars (Kenya), Haddad FC, Smart Football Academy
U-18s
Precor Elite, ACP Academy (Canada), Real Madrid, Adastra, Precor Diamond, Al Nisr
