GOING OUT: Beat the heat at Kanoute's KAFO football academy

Denzil Pinto 19:16 25/07/2016
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  • Kanoute & co. will be passing on their knowledge to the kids.

    Now in its third edition, the programme has been a big hit for youngsters in the UAE with hundreds of boys and girls flocking to Dubai Sports World so far. And you can see for yourself why it’s highly regarded with the summer academy resuming on July 31 and will continue for four more weeks.

    Overseen by former professional Kanoute and his qualified coaching staff, matches, drills, tournaments and penalty shoot-outs are just some of the things that the kids can look forward to.

    “We held our first part of the summer academy in June and it was really successful,” said Russ Junior, head coach of the KAFO Academy, which is running the summer camp. “We’ve had a good turnout and it was great to see them play football in an indoor conditioned venue and see them having fun. Although the weather is hot, this is a good opportunity to play football indoors and continue their football development.”

    Kanoute knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, picking up two UEFA Cups and Copa del Reys with Sevilla in a career that saw him play for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Lyon and China’s Beijing Guoan.

    The striker and his team will be passing on that knowledge to the five to 16-year-olds signed up for the camp. Three-hour sessions will run between 13:00 and 16:00, Sunday to Thursdays, with the emphasis of having fun.

    “We realise that it’s the summer and it’s a period where people travel overseas. But we are still here for those who still want to play football. They don’t need to be experienced players, newcomers are welcome also as we’ll teach them the basics,” said Junior.

    “The most important thing is that children have fun. All the days will consist of different activities.”

    Don’t waste your summer days: Keep your children active and tucked away from the heat.

    Don’t waste your summer days: Keep your children active and tucked away from the heat.

    Junior insists there’s plenty of positives by signing up.

    “Getting active is one of the key elements but it’s also a good opportunity for the kids to make new friends. If parents are looking for a football academy for their children, then they can come and meet the coaches so that when the new term begins in September, they will know exactly what they’re going to get,” he added.

    “It doesn’t matter if someone trains at another academy. Everyone is welcome and it’s something that the kids will enjoy.”

    Fees for one day are Dh125, while the full five days cost Dh500.

    What: KAFO Summer Academy
    Where: Dubai Sports World
    When: July 31 to August 25, 13:00 to 16:00
    Contact: www.kafoacademy.com

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