Players of all ages can meet former African Player of the Year Frederic Kanoute with places still available for their new children’s coaching programme and men’s seven-a-side tournament.
The ex-Malian international knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, having won the UEFA Cup and Copa del Rey twice with Sevilla in a career that saw him also play for Tottenham, West Ham, Lyon and China’s Beijing Guoan.
And he will be passing on the knowledge that he gained during his 16-year professional stint to children when the new coaching season begins on Sunday.
Now in its second edition, KAFO Academy has become one of the most popular football centres in the UAE since launching in 2014, and many budding footballers will descend on Nord Anglia International School, Dubai, from 17:15 to 18:45 for its second season.
There’s still time to join them and age groups range from U-6 to U-16, with a new venue opening at Sharjah English School on September 16.
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The course, involving matches and training sessions, runs for 10 weeks and is organised by qualified coaches where youngsters can develop their passing, shooting and dribbling skills, as well as dealing with ball manipulation.
On top of that, if you ever wanted to play against a former Premier League and La Liga footballer, then here’s your chance.
The free-entry men’s seven-aside tournament takes place on Wednesday, September 9, at Nord Anglia International School, and with Kanoute set to play, teams are encouraged to sign up before Sunday’s deadline.
French-born Kanoute, who became the first player born outside the continent to win the African Player of the Year accolade in 2007, insists there’s plenty of positives to gain for those that sign up.
“I spent a lot of time to bring in good coaches who are highly qualified with European coaching badges and I will also be involved because I want to share my expertise to the children,” said Kanoute, who scored a total of 152 goals in 427 club appearances.
“It’s very important to encourage them from a young age to do sports because it’s very healthy. At KAFO Academy, we focus on all aspects of football – attacking and defending, and it will be a lot of fun.”
He added: “The seven-a-side tournament is a great way for players to play in a well-organised competition. Last year, KAFO won the tournament but I hope we can be challenged a bit more this year and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
What: KAFO Academy season launch and men’s seven-a-side tournament
Where: Nord Anglia International School, Hessa Street, Dubai
When: Season launch – Sunday: 17:15 and seven-a-side tournament on Wednesday, September 9, at 19:30.
Contact: For information or to register, visit www.kafoacademy.com or email [email protected].
