Following the tremendous success of the event last year, the second edition of the Football Fives World Championship starts in Dubai today with 44 nations set to take part.
Sanctioned by Dubai Sports Council and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Nahyan Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan – the competition will light up SkyDive Dubai until Saturday evening.
Since the launch of the F5WC in 2014, the tournament’s status has grown significantly worldwide, with nearly one million footballers participating in the qualifying stages for this year’s finals.
Football Fives Event Manager, Mark Webb, said: “The competition continues to gain popularity and we have plans to expand going forward. We had 32 teams competing in 2014 and 44 teams this year. In 2016, we are hoping to have 64 teams and continue to develop.
“There will be scouts from European football clubs present at the event as well. The players involved are 16 years and above, all amateurs and no professionals, and added to this is the opportunity to represent their country on an international stage.”
In the lead up to the event, each country hosted a 5-a-side qualifying tournament to find their best amateur football team, with the winners invited to participate in the F5WC World Finals in Dubai.
“It’s set for an amazing few days of football with 336 of the world’s best five-a-side players in action,” added Webb. “The venue is incredible with the beautiful backdrop of Dubai Marina behind.”
Tournament ambassadors are beIN Sport duo Andy Gray and Richard Keys and they voiced their support at the launch of the event at Emirates Golf Club last week.
Gray said: “These guys are coming to Dubai to represent their country and they have one ambition: to be the best. There’s no greater feeling if you’re a footballer or an athlete. It will mean the world to them.
“In five-a-side football you’ll see more technical ability than on any football pitch anywhere. It’s tight, so the skill set has to be higher, and players have to get involved more often. If you’re not sharp or up to speed you’ll get left behind.”
“I grew up playing five-a-side football on the streets of Glasgow. I was 17 before I got a chance to play professional football and some of these guys will be a similar age. It’s never too late. We might just find a nugget, that one out of 350-odd footballers who might be special.”
The Football Five’s World Championship this coming weekend at #thePalm http://t.co/VH7H7DyXOZ http://t.co/5J5RPmuBbV @football5wc #FreeEntry
— Skydive Dubai (@skydivedubai) April 19, 2015
Away from the excitement on the field, spectators have the chance to win a brand new Ford Mustang in a penalty shoot-out competition.
There will also be a live DJ, prizes, an eight-metre screen to watch highlights of the matches, a players’ tunnel where the teams will come out to a song of their choice, a family fun area, a clinic for coaching kids and much more.
The games begin midday today with 12 groups comprising of four teams. The final is set for 8pm on Saturday April 24, where Sheikh Nayhan will present the trophy to the winning team.
The World finals will be broadcast live on television to over 60 countries, and will be broadcast on Dubai Sports 1 here in the UAE. Admission is free for spectators each day.
WHAT: The Football Fives World Championship
WHEN: Today (Thursday) at midday until Saturday 26th April at 8pm.
WHERE: SkyDive Dubai, next to Al Habtoor Grand Hotel
Sport360 VERDICT: A chance to see the world’s most skilful five-a-side players on your door step with lots of bonus entertainment.
CONTACT: Visit http://f5wc.com
