IFA and EFA's new six-a-side tournament is open to men and women footballers

Denzil Pinto 11:13 05/03/2018
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  • Women are encouraged to take part in the six-a-side tournament.

    IFA Sport and Expat Football Association (EFA) have come together with the aim of building a bigger football community in Dubai that will see more tournaments, leagues and social events for both men and women.

    Both organisations are hugely popular in the emirate with the running of their own competitions and with them now in partnership, their events for both men and women will now be run side-by-side on adjacent pitches.

    You can be part of their first tournament on Friday, March 16 with registration closing on Tuesday. Their six-a-side event will take place between 14:00 to 17:00 at Jebel Ali School, followed by a social awards evening that will recognise the achievements of the footballers who impress.

    “We are very excited to combine two already very successful concepts – the EFA’s men’s group and the IFA women’s players,” said Jessica Prelle, head of girl’s and women’s football at IFA Sport.

     So far these events have always been completely separate which is a shame as I believe there are many partners, wives, husbands that would love to join in on the pitch but are not even aware that there is something for both genders available. I actually think the men will be surprised seeing the level at which some of the ladies play.”

    Kevin Fairhurst, managing director, EFA, added:Both our organisations prioritise a community feel, great experience and strive to offer a great needed service. We both share the same vision and have a passion for what we offer. It makes sense to unite and share this with the whole expat community.”

    With entry costing Dh599 per team, Fairhurst and Prelle believes there are many positives by signing up.

    “We have more than 200 regular players across the women’s tournaments and leagues in Dubai. But still it feels like recognition of the female game has a long way to go here,” said Prelle.

    “The men’s game of course is already widely respected so aligning and showing it’s not only perfectly normal for women to play football here, but also that they are not of a bad standard seems ideal. Competing side by side will encourage interaction and in the end respect for each other that will continue far beyond the pitch.”

    Fairhurst added: “The audience we both set out to attract were not necessarily serious footballers but more expats who simply want to play football, meet new people and get plugged into the local expat community. This is more a social event where football is just one part of the day. Get yourself down if you want a great day, meet new people, take part in an exclusive football competition and be a part of the new phase of a changing community of expat football in Dubai.”

    What: IFA and EFA’s six-a-side football tournament

    Where: Jebel Ali School, Dubai

    When: Friday, March 16

    Contact: To register, email [email protected] (men’s) or [email protected] (women’s)

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