UAE teenager handed Malaga trial

Sport360 staff 12:38 21/08/2016
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  • Attacking midfielder El Yamani was selected after impressing during the camp, which included friendly matches against other La Liga clubs’ youth teams.

    The duFC program was launched in October 2015 to try to unearth the UAE’s best football talent, with 7,117 boys and girls 11-17 from across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern Emirates taking part.

    That number was whittled all the way down to 15 players after an intensive two-day camp training camp under the supervision of Real Madrid legends Michel Salgado and Roberto Carlos, as well as La Liga coaches.

    The chosen players were flown to Spain this summer to continue their development and after 17 days of drills and matches, El Yamani was selected as the program’s most promising youngster.

    “My dream since I was a child was to join one of the largest leagues in the world,” El Yamani said. “In coming to Spain I was determined to play my best football so that scouts would recognise my ability.

    “Being selected for a trial with a La Liga youth club is beyond my wildest dreams. duFC has opened the doors for me and was my stepping stone to reach this stage.

    “The intense training camps in Dubai and Spain prepared me well for this moment and taught me the real meaning of professional football – I am very grateful for the support of I have received from everyone which has gotten me to this point.”

    El Yamani spent two weeks on trial with Malaga after the training camp, with du chief commercial officer Fahad Al Hassawi hopeful it will be the first of many success stories.

    “Ahmad El Yamani’s selection for a trial with La Liga’s best youth club is a great boon for both our initiative and the UAE, as it highlights the incredible potential of our youth,” he said.

    “It reflects the power of the platform to uncover talent and give them an opportunity to pursue their dreams to be a part of the world’s strongest league.”

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