There was no shortage of numbers for Dubai English Speaking School’s (DESS) football trials as pupils beat the heat to showcase their football skills at the Koora Dome in Dubai.
Although the summer break is over, the temperature was still hot and DESS teachers took the step of taking their first sessions of the new season into the purpose-builtindoor astro-turf facility at Al Wasl Sports Club.
With the facility boasting five five-a-side pitches, it was no surprise to see more than 200 promising youngsters try out their luck of making the school’s ‘A’ squads across Years Three to Six.
Hoping to make their case for selection, the boys and girls worked on various training exercise routines which were run by GoPro Football Academy.
Mark Webster, head of PE, was impressed by the turn-out and the quality of football shown by the children.
“DESS has a proud sporting tradition and takes part in so many sports during the year,” he said.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to be able to get the children into the Koora Dome to conduct our football trials away from the heat at this time of year.
“It was even more pleasing to see more than 200 children try out for our school football teams ahead of the new football season.”
As well as competing in the ‘B’ league competitions, the institution will also field a girls’ side for the new season.
“It was great to see so many girls turn out at these trials, who are all aiming to improve their skills and make the DESS squad,” said Vicki Stevenson, who oversees the girls’ squads.
“The profile of girls football in Dubai has raised considerably over the past two years.
“Those who are chosen will play in the Dubai School’s League which is very tough against the other strong sides and they will also be able to compete against international sides when the British Schools in the Middle East Games takes place in Abu Dhabi in March.”
Sofiane Fatmi, general manager at Koora Dome, was delighted to host the school.
“It was great having DESS bring their football trials to the Koora Dome,” he said.
“They loved being able to play indoors and escape the Dubai heat at this time of the year. It was fantastic to see so many children from DESS playing football to such a high standard. We wish them luck for their season ahead.”
