Active Sports Academy will be hosting its youth boys’ seven-a-side football tournament on Friday March 7, and organisers are inviting budding footballers to take part in the one day competition.
Taking place at Dubai English Speaking College (DESS) near Silicon Oasis/Academic City, the tournament will have four categories – under-8s, under-10s, under-12s and under-14s.
The format of the tournament, which begins at 10:00, is a round-robin event followed by the knock-out stages. Each team will play once against each other with the number of sides advancing to the knock-out stage depending on the number of teams competing in the group.
If teams have the same number of points, the criteria on who advances will be based on goal difference and the head-to-head result.
Each match will last 14 minutes, and games will be played on four grass pitches.
During the group stages, match winners will receive three points, while both teams will receive one point if the result finishes in a draw. The losing team will get no points.
In the knock-out, if the match finishes in a draw after full-time, a penalty shoot-out will take place to determine who will go through.
If you fancy taking part then form a team with your friends of no more than 10 (minimum seven), and fill in a registration form available from www.activeuae.com/tournaments/soccer-tournaments.
Completed forms should be returned to [email protected] by Monday March 2. The entry fee per team is Dh500. All players must wear shin pads and suitable footwear with the tournament winners receiving medals.
During the matches, unlimited substitutions can be made during the game as soon as the ball is out of play. Plus there are no off-side rules meaning more opportunities to score goals freely.
Michael Smith, tournament organiser, believes it’s a good way for young boys to play competitive football.
“There’s not many tournaments in the UAE giving young boys a chance to play seven-a-side football. So we want to bring teams in one place and allow them to play something they love doing which is playing football,” said Smith.
“It’s a good way of making new friends and it’s always nice to see children showcase their skills and see their hunger in trying to win matches,” he added.
Unlike the traditional 11-a-side game, one of the main advantages of playing seven-a-side is that the pitch is much smaller meaning less running around.
You may think a smaller pitch would mean less work, but it’s totally the opposite. Nevertheless, the results are positive, as although you may be exhausted after a few matches (or even the first few minutes of a match!), the health and social factors are hugely beneficial.
There will also be an entertainment zone where all players and fans can take part in fun football activities.
“If families come then this will act as entertainment for them. Everyone can come and have a good time. Players can join in the fun activities while they’re waiting for their next match,” said Smith, who added that Mattoni will be the official water supplier for the tournament.
What: Seven-a-side boys’ football tournament by Active Sports Academy
When: Friday March 7
Where: Dubai English Speaking College near Silicon Oasis/Academic City
Contact: Visit www.activeuae.com/tournaments/soccer-tournaments for form and information
