An exciting new addition to the UAE’s burgeoning youth sport scene is set to commence this weekend when 74 teams from 49 schools kick off the inaugural Emirates Islamic National School League Football (NSL Football).
Following on from the tremendous success of Sport360’s cricket and basketball competitions, the new eight-a-side tournament for Under-14s and U-16s will see the soccer stars of tomorrow develop their ability and further learn the values of teamwork, respect and dedication from Saturday to January 23’s finals day.
Huge interest has ensured more than 900 boys will converge on 7he Sevens and New York University Abu Dhabi for the opening round of group-stage fixtures. Victoria International School Sharjah U-16s will be one of the teams taking part in the first tournament of its kind in the UAE and coach Cihan Karahan is aiming for success.
He said: “Ultimately, we are looking to be number one. That is what I feel we are capable of, with the strength of our squad.
“We know it is going to be tough, as there are lots of very good schools involved. But I am sure we can come close, if not take the top spot.
“The boys are really pumped up for the first game against Alkamal American School. Playing a new team is a great incentive for us and one I want us to embrace – it is full steam ahead.”
Supporting sponsors Stadium and Umbro will make sure both coaches and players who take part will compete in top-notch kit. Daman and National Ambulance will help the players compete safely, while dedicated guidance at first-class venues will be provided by technical partners E-Sports.
Demand has been so high the provisional dates have been extended to the end of January, with 352 games to be played in total. Group matches will finish on December 12, quarter and semi-finals being played on January 16 ahead of the deciders a week later.
Sport360’s publisher and deputy CEO Didier Brun was thrilled by the reaction NSL Football has elicited and thanked sponsors for helping bring the initiative to fruition.
He said: “We are delighted by the overwhelming response and support we received from the schools and children for this first edition. It was well beyond our expectations and is testament to the popularity of football, as well as the need for well-organised competitions at the national level.
“It’s initiatives like this which will not only get tomorrow’s generation fit and healthy, but will also help identify future stars.
“We would like to thank our partners Emirates Islamic, Stadium, Umbro, Daman and National Ambulance for their support in helping NSL Football become a reality.”
Games will be played across three geographical groups – Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Sharjah and Northern Emirates and Dubai split into two sections. Each team will play every team within their league once, playing one game per week.
A squad of 12 players will be selected for the games, which will run for two 20-minute halves. The top two from each pool will progress to the final series.
“We are very much looking forward to NSL Football kicking off this weekend, the boys cannot wait for it to begin,” said coach Rob Weaver, whose Wellington International School U-14s play Credence High School in Dubai Pool 1 on Saturday.
“We haven’t played Credence High School before, and the opportunity to meet new teams and players is really exciting. That is a great aspect of NSL Football.”
The tournament can be followed through www.nsl360.com, which will feature news, highlights and stats. For info, e-mail [email protected] or call +971 52 244 3906.
