With one World Cup in full swing in Brazil, another is set to reach its climax this weekend with the Junior Mini World Cup at Dubai Sports City in its final stages.
Saturday will see 28 matches take place across five age groups, from under-six to under-14, starting at 9am, with the silverware at stake in each section.
The teams, from clubs across Dubai as well as Dubai Sports City’s own Spanish Soccer Schools (SSS), are all taking part in the tournament under the guise of sides that are contesting the action in the FIFA event, as well as the UAE.
Reflecting on the latest action, as well as looking forward to finals day on Saturday, Dubai Sports City Football Academy Head Coach Inaki Beni said: “The Junior Mini World Cup went from strength to strength last weekend.
“The kids again really bought into the idea of playing tournament football and, just like the under-six, under-eight and under-10 sides the week before, they loved wearing the colours of the countries they are representing.
“There have been some terrific matches so far and with the finals to be played this Saturday we are all set to see some of the best young football talent in Dubai in action. It will be a day to remember.”
Dubai Sports City Football Academy Director of Football Michel Salgado, the former Real Madrid and Spain legend who was part of his country’s squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, said: “So far our Junior Mini World Cup at the Dubai Sports City Football Academy could not have been any better.
“The kids have really got involved and the fact the tournament in Brazil has now started has added to the sense of excitement as they are together and talking about the matches they are playing, the teams they are playing as, and all the matches they are seeing on television.
“That is exactly the effect we were hoping to create as it has brought to life for the kids the tournament I was lucky enough to take part in as a player in 2006. And if it heightens their interest in the game even more, as I believe it has, then that is a great result for everyone.
“It has been an exciting tournament at Dubai Sports City, it is an exciting tournament in Brazil and our event is all set for a great showpiece day this Saturday.”
