Going Out: Learn from Tom May at Zurich Touch 6s

Denzil Pinto 06:40 03/03/2016
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  • Aviva Premiership experience: Tom May.

    Kids in the UAE can get a chance to learn from former England rugby international Tom May during a special ‘Ball Skills’ clinic at the Zurich Corporate Touch 6s tournament.

    The 37-year-old will offer his expertise and pass on his knowledge from what he learnt during his 16-year career which saw him play at Newcastle, Toulon, Northampton and London Welsh, on Friday at the Jebal Ali Centre of Excellence in Dubai.

    He will join ex-Northampton and Melbourne Harlequins’ Josh Ives, Tui Waruhia and Zane Gardiner, whose career saw him travel to New Zealand, England, Scotland and France. All three are experienced coaches from ME Touch and Apollo Perelini Rugby Skills Academy.

    While entry numbers have been encouraging, places, which cost Dh150 per person, are still remaining for the one-hour session from 10:30 to 11:30, where May, Ives, Waruhia and Gardiner will focus on ball skills, fun drills and learn new tricks.

    Great fun: Zurich Touch 6s.

    Great fun: Zurich Touch 6s.

    Jane Sabugueiro of Corporate Affair Event Management, organisers of the tournament, insists it will be a memorable occasion for the children who take part.

    “This really is a great way for kids to learn new Touch and rugby skills from the professionals,” she said. “All the coaches are really experienced and the news that Tom May will also be here is a great boost for the children.

    “He and the other coaches that will be in charge of the Ball Skills session have a lot of experience playing rugby and Touch and I’m sure it will be a great occasion for the kids and help raise the profile of the sport in the UAE.”

    Besides the ‘Ball Skills’ sessions, there’s plenty to look forward to at the Jebal Ali Centre of Excellence.

    With free admission, spectators can witness some thrilling Touch games as a record 22 corporate sides swap the offices for the field and battle for glory in the fifth edition of the tournament.

    Off the field, the programme includes cheerleading shows, hula-hooping, a DJ and food and refreshment stalls.

    The kids will not be short of options either with a treasure hunt, a kids play area and a film showing on the agenda.

    Previous years have been a huge success and Sabugueiro is confident this weekend’s will no different.

    “The very first one we organised we had eight teams and it has grown considerably since then,” she said. “To have 22 teams competing this year is a great number and the people who do come will enjoy the matches and the atmosphere.

    “The success is more measurable this year than ever before. We’ve already held a lot of training sessions and the people who have never tried Touch before, has really found it useful.”

    She added: “The people who attend whether they are competing or a spectator will really enjoy themselves because there’s plenty of entertainment for them. We want them to come and support their corporates if they’re playing.

    “If they’re not playing, it’s an amazing opportunity to have a good day out with your family and friends and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.”

    VENUE: Jebal Ali Centre of Excellence, Dubai
    WHAT: Ball Skills Session and Zurich Corporate Touch 6s tournament
    WHEN: Friday from 08:30. Ball Skills Session from 10:30.
    VERDICT: Worth visit especially as it’s free entry
    CONTACT: To register for the Ball Skills Session, email admin@corporateaffair-me. com or can be done on the day, if places remain.

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