The Future Champions League tournament concluded on the weekend with the national finals at Dubai Sports City Football Academy.
The finals featured 24 teams comprising players from schools all over the UAE who competed in U12s, U14s and U16s categories.
Approximately 100 teams played in the qualification stage at Arabian Gulf League clubs, before being whittled down to the 24 finalists.
While Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) were the title sponsors, the Pro League Committee, Dubai Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Sports Council supported the tournament.
“It has been wonderful this year to see so many children from across the UAE taking part in the ADIB Future Champions League,” said Petr Klimes, executive vice president and group marketing director at ADIB.
“Through this initiative, ADIB continues to show its commitment to the youth of this country, helping their development, and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through football.”
Abu Dhabi’s Private Modern School took home the U16 title while both the top honours in the U14 and U12 groups were claimed by International Academic School (IAS) from Abu Dhabi.
All team members received free ADIB kits, a bank account with zero balance, a Darhoom card and a bonus of Dh50 upon opening the account.
The event also offered free popcorn, cotton candy, lunches and other refreshments, while games booths were also set up adding to the festive atmosphere which provided a fun environment for the children.
Most importantly, the tournament gave kids a chance to showcase their skills in a competitive youth tournament which brought schools from across the UAE together.
“The children just love playing in competitions such as this, and I would encourage other schools to get involved next year to help make this excellent tournament even bigger and better,” said Ken Barker, athletic director of GEMS World Academy, Dubai.
Already in its third year, the league has been hugely successful and will likely expand to include even more schools in the future.
