Talented expat footballers in UAE given chance to earn professional contract with Al Wasl

Sport360 staff 10:19 14/04/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Talented expat footballers in the UAE are being given the opportunity to earn a professional contract with Al Wasl Football Club thanks to the launch of a new private programme in partnership with Dubai’s number one football academy, IFA.

    The partnership, which is the first of its kind, will give players of all nationalities the opportunity to sign professional contracts in their adopted home. Something which has traditionally only been accessible to Emirati players.

    The Al Wasl Private Academy programme primarily focuses on elite player development, giving talented expat players access to high performance training, professional football club facilities and a genuine pathway to the professional ranks.

    Those who excel in the programme will be given the opportunity join the Al Wasl Academy and potentially follow in the footsteps of current Al Wasl and UAE starlet, Ali Salmeen, among other graduates.

    “We are very excited to be working with Al Wasl,” said IFA technical director Tommy Wingrove. “Through this partnership, we are able to offer even more value and opportunity to talented young expatriate players in the UAE.

    “Al Wasl has long been recognised as one of the UAE’s leading football clubs so it is our pleasure to establish this partnership and work closely with the clubs’ academy in welcoming players of all nationalities to train, develop and compete in a professional environment – a truly fantastic opportunity for many youngsters with aspirations of a career in football.”

    Michel Mommertz (l), technical director at Al Wasl Academy FC and Tommy Wingrove, technical director at IFA.

    Michel Mommertz (l), technical director at Al Wasl Academy FC and Tommy Wingrove, technical director at IFA.

    New rules introduced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan now mean players born to UAE women with expat husbands, players holding UAE passports, players born in the UAE and players residing in the UAE can now participate in all competitions in youth age categories. Clubs can also register three players born in the UAE and three players residing in the UAE at U21 level.

    The Private Academy Programme is set to launch with the establishment of four squads in the U11, U14, U16 and U18 age categories. Recruitment is now open, with IFA’s UEFA qualified staff hosting a series of Talent ID camps and trial sessions at Wasl’s training facility. Players are invited to register through www.ifasport.com.

    “The Private Academy concept is not designed strictly for elite players,” Wingrove added. “There will be programmes available for players of all ages and abilities. We are looking forward to introducing Al Wasl Football Club to an expat audience.

    “Our roots at IFA are planted firmly in the community and we believe we can offer great value to Al Wasl Club as a result.”

    “We are proud to partner with Dubai’s leading independent football academy, IFA,” said Mohammed Al Ameri, CEO of Al Wasl.

    “The Al Wasl FC Private Academy is an important addition to our youth development programme and we are positive it will become an excellent recruitment channel offering an exciting pathway for young players of all nationalities who dream of becoming professionals.”

    Recommended