Budding footballers who are keen on earning a scholarship in the US will not want to miss out on the Opportunities Through Sport (OTSport) College ID Camp this weekend.
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Held at Dubai Sports City from Thursday (18:00 to 21:00) until Saturday (10:00 to 15:00), college coaches from the US will conduct football sessions for girls and boys aged between 12 and 18.
While the coaches will be looking for promising players, they will also give advice and tips on how to improve in order to earn a scholarship in the US.
The camp will be split into two categories – training and matches with the children taking part for two hours before swapping. While the US are no strangers to holding these camps, it will be the first time the UAE will hold an event like this.
“Something like this is well overdue in the UAE,” said Tariq Al-Kamil, managing partner of OTSport, which is organising event.
“The pathway for student athletes especially in this country is quite difficult in getting support. Children who have aspirations to make it big either have to play fulltime with their clubs or be a student as they can’t do both.”
He added: “If young footballers have a goal to become a student athlete in the US and want to get noticed then this is a perfect chance to do that at the OTSport College ID camp. You will be able to interact with the coaches and get advice. It’s clearly not happened before here so now’s the opportunity to go and take it.”
Entry costs Dh500 and registration can be done on the day. Although Al-Kamil advises players to attend all three days to maximise their chance of being spotted, it’s up to the footballers to decide.
He said: “The more you come, the more opportunities you will get to impress. Getting seen a little bit is better than seeing nothing at all. I would highly recommend for them to come and see what it’s all about.
“Children will do a lot of practising, drills and regimes that all football teams do. And they will be able to showcase their talent in match situations. “Whether they get spotted or not, it will be a great learning curve.”
WHAT: OTSport College ID Camp.
WHEN: Thursday (18:00 to 21:00), Friday and Saturday (10:00 to 15:00).
WHERE: Dubai Sports City.
Sport360 VERDICT: Budding footballers will not want to miss out in this first-of-its-kind event in Dubai. Great chance to earn a scholarship in US.
CONTACT: Email [email protected]. Registration can be done on the day.
