With the summer holidays now over, Ahdaaf Football Academy (AFA) is getting ready for another busy season with places still available for their training programmes which begin today.
Since being opened in 2008, Ahdaaf has become an established sports club in the UAE with its aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle and bridging the gap between different communities in sports.
Hundreds of children have taken part in the football programme, which has been one of their most popular sports at Ahdaaf Sports Club. And AFA are expecting many more to register throughout the season which last until June.
The programmes, open to four to 16-year-olds, are run at Ahdaaf Sports Club, Al Quoz in Dubai, which was the UAE’s first indoor sporting facility. They begin today, Saturdays from 10:00 to 11.30am and Mondays from 16:30 to 18:00.
Alternatively, those living in Sharjah can visit Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club for its new term from September 27, which takes place at Saturday and Wednesday with programmes from 17:00 to 18:30. Under a highly-qualified coaching team who have played the game for many years, children will be taught a wide range of skills and will get to learn about different aspects of the sport.
Mark McCarrick, director of AFA, said: “Anyone who signs up for the coaching sessions will learn many skills about the game as well as the technical side. As they learn the game throughout the programme, they will gain more useful skills like team-building and communication, which will help them not only in football but outside the sport in the future.
“The coaches will ensure the kids are enjoying themselves while learning. They will work very hard with the students to build their confidence on the pitch. Besides the practical side, we want to get them to a standard of good fitness and hopefully get them to play in tournaments by playing other academies.”
A former professional football himself having represented West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Tranmere Rovers, Mc- Carrick, who has been in his role for four months, has big plans at AFC.
He said: “Some kids will want to come and just give the sport a try and there will be people who want to push themselves. Either way the coaches will make sure the children are well guided and with my contacts I will do my utmost to help them develop.”
Explaining why parents should choose AFA, McCarrick said: “We’re one of the top football academies in Dubai and the coaches have a strong professional background. The kids will be in a safe environment and they will thoroughly enjoy themselves.
“We also organise birthday parties and hold football events open to the corporate as well as team-building activities, so it’s much more than offering football coaching.”
What: Ahdaaf Football Academy training programmes
Where: Ahdaaf Sports Club, Al Quoz, Dubai and Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club
When: Al Quoz from today, and Sharjah starting on September 27
Contact: For registration and more information contact [email protected] or phone 04 347 7666
