League leaders Al Ahli are looking to tap in to the local Indian expat population and boost club revenues by developing a link with academy SEPT India.
The partnership will see elite Dubai-based Indians train twice a week at the Red Knights’ Rashid Stadium complex where they will receive expert coaching and guidance.
Numbers are expected to be between 26 and 60 children ranging from eight to 14 years old.
The club will have the option of signing any elite talent that develop within the system, moving them to their in-house academy which is allowed two players with foreign passports, permitting their families are employed and eligible to work in the UAE.
Not only will the venture boost the quality of local expat children’s footballing abilities, and the subsequent health benefits, but the club is hoping it will help the population engage with the club and boost attendance.
Club CEO Ahmad Khalifa said: “Al Ahli is one of the biggest clubs here; our achievements are very well known and the local Indian community will get the benefits of the facilities here.
“This partnership will benefit both sides and I think this will be a very good business model in the future.
“It will be available on weekdays and the boys will be taught under professional coaches and their family will also have easy access to watch matches.
“At the U17 World Cup in the UAE, we saw Indians were very interested in football," he added.
“The Indian community needs to play more of a part in football here, I think India is a very good market for football. There are no Indian stars in football like there are in other sports, this is a good time to explore.
“The second benefit is that Al Ahli will be part of the community here and we will be there to support them.
“I think many pass in front of the gates of the stadium and don’t know what is behind the wall, it is not a military base.
“Once they enter the gate they will have easy access to this place. Many live next to us and they can come here for fitness and life.”
Al Ahli should certainly have no trouble with attracting fans with their on-field product. The Red Knights are currently sitting pretty six points clear at the top of the Arabian Gulf League with an away game against relegation-threatened Emirates Club on Thursday.
