E-Sports’ U-17 team set to showcase its skills against UAE national side

Matt Jones - Editor 23:06 24/11/2015
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  • Test of mettle: E-Sports U-17 team will look to put its best foot forward.

    E-Sports Football Club’s continued development of girl’s football in the Emirates will come to fruition on Wednesday when its Under-17 team takes on the UAE national team.

    Girl’s football has made great strides in Dubai this year with E-Sports rolling out its player pathway and offering an all-round programme for all ages.

    The programme’s pinnacle is the newly formed U-17 girl’s squad consisting of advanced players.

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    With the inaugural UAE National Sports Day taking place today, the squad will test themselves against the UAE U-16s in a friendly match. 

    “We are in talks with the UAE FA to enter this team in the U-17 Pro League in 2016 which will give the girls a great platform for exposure and fixtures against local clubs and teams,” said Jessica Prelle, E-Sports’ communications manager.

    “The U-17 team is a very exciting development. The girls are strong footballers and keen to play competitive fixtures and keep improving.

    They train twice a week and are currently preparing for their first 11-a-side match. We are even looking at a potential scholarship programme by exposing the strongest girls to US university camps and scouts.”

    There are still spots in the team and E-Sports welcomes players to come down for a free trial. 

    The female football programme does not just culminate with Thursday’s game. E-Sports currently has two women’s teams playing competitively and ranked second by the Dubai Women’s Football Association.

    In addition they are also in training for the 2016 Women’s Pro League.

    “The team is a diverse mix of very talented players from all over the world,” said Prelle, who is also manager of the Girls Football League U-12, U-14 and U-16 girl’s teams. 

    “We play seven-a-side and 11-a-side leagues and train regularly. In addition the younger girls have already been pulled up from the girls squads to play some adult matches and tournaments, the youngest being just 13 and they are holding their own.

    “This is where the pathway comes together, ensuring every girl has an outlet to play no matter the age or ability.”

    With close to 50 girls between seven and 15 training on a regular basis, the Girls Football Academy welcomes all levels.

    Girls from two-and-a-half to six can also join the Early Touches programme before moving on to the academy. The EFC Girls v the UAE national U-16 team game kicks off at GEMS Academy Silicon Oasis at 19:00 tonight, while the EFC Ladies v Tigers match gets under way at 20:00.

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