Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence in Dubai is the place to be on Friday February 28 whether you’re a football fan or not.
Not only will there be a five-a-side tournament which is open for all ages, but you will be able to witness free of charge, some of England’s and Scotland’s ex-internationals going head-to-head in an exhibition legends match for the third year in a row.
Among the legends will be former Tottenham and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham, ex-Sunderland manager Peter Reid and goalkeeper Andy Goram, who made 43 appearances for Scotland.
Before the legends match at 15:00, the five-a-side tournament will take place with registration still open.
Commencing at 10:00, 16 teams will be competing for the chance to be crowned champions, witheach enjoying a ‘team brunch’ at Girders Bar at Ocean View Hotel in Dubai as well as receiving the trophy and medals.
The tournament will consist of a league and knockout format played on an artificial surface pitch, with the final to be played at half-time in the legends match.
There are also prizes from sports manufacturer Umbro for finalists, the top goal scorer and player of the tournament.
If you fancy the challenge then form a team of no more than eight players, and contact Chris Brown, tournament organiser on 055 2962963 or email [email protected] before the closing date on Monday, February 24.
Entry fee per team is Dh800 (for a minimum of four matches), and payment must be made by cash, cheque, credit card or bank transfer before February 25 otherwise the team’s entry will not be permitted.
The rules are the same for all five-a-side matches with the only difference being overhead balls will be allowed.
“With the large British community here in the UAE, we thought it would be best to organise another edition of the five-a-side tournament following its success for the past two years,” said Brown.
“Five-a-side tournaments are exciting to play in and I’m sure this will be another successful year.”
The England-Scotland legends game is for everyone to attend and is sure to be a close game. It is a rivalry steeped in history and there have been a number of memorable and colourful meetings between the two sides (111 for those counting), since that very first goalless draw in the winter of 1872.
Derek Whyte, Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence business development officer and sporting ambassador,said: “We’re delighted to have top ex-players play at our ground and provide the local community a chance to compete as well.
“We know that when England and Scotland clash in football it’s always going to be a competitive game with committed support both on the pitch and from both sets of supporters.”
Families and friends can make a day out of it by cheering on their favourite team and the opportunity to watch the players in action. It’s a day you wouldn’t want to miss.
What: Five-a-side football tournament and England-Scotland legends match
Where: Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence, Dubai
When: Tournament starts 10.00, while the legends match is at 15.00
Contact: Chris Brown on 055 2962963 or email [email protected]
Squads
England squad: Dave Beasant, Des Walker, Seth Johnson, Paul Walsh, Lee Hendrie, Trevor Sinclair, Lee Sharpe, Dale Gordon, Gavin McCann, Teddy Sheringham, Peter Reid, Chris Brown and Lee Bowyer.
Scotland squad: Andy Goram, John Collins, Derek Whyte, Richard Gough, Brian O’Neil, Charlie Miller, John Wark, Scott Booth, Eoin Jess, Andy McLaren, Robbie Winters, John Houston, Corin Dougall, Colin Manson, Paul Griffin, John O’Neill, and Gary McSwegan.
