Budding footballers can learn to play ‘the Arsenal way’ this month when the English Premier League club’s new soccer school term begins in Dubai.
After a busy 2015, young players, from just four right up to 20 years old, will take to the fields at the state-of-the-art facilities at The Sevens this week, learning and developing their skills and knowledge from the club’s qualified and experienced coaches.
And there’s still time to join them with places remaining.
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Since opening in October 2009, the Arsenal Soccer School Dubai has gone from strength to strength, training hundreds of youths, based on the same coaching philosophy which is passed on in London.
It’s those coaching methods implemented by Arsene Wenger that has seen the English outfit win FA Cups and League titles at the Emirates Stadium.
During the 10-week courses, the youngsters will also have an opportunity to pit themselves against other football coaching schools in Dubai.
Overseeing the courses is head coach Ian Selley. A former Arsenal player himself with 60 appearances, he was part of the winning squads that triumped in the 1993 League Cup and 1994 European Cup Winners Cup. And the ex-midfielder knows exactly what is required to get ahead in the game.
“Our General Skills course ensures the children can work on all different aspects of the game whether it’s defending, attacking or passing,” said Selley.
“We make them work on a position in the team and will work with them on how to replicate that. Besides just learning, we encourage them to watch the Arsenal first team on TV so it gives them an understanding on how skills are used in match situations.”
He added: “We also hold tournaments so that we can see what they’ve learnt and see as coaches if we need them to improve on any aspects.”
And there could even be a chance for the youngsters to meet an Arsenal first-team star.
“We’ve had Danny Welbeck and Mikel Arteta visit us and we will have more first-team players come this year and share their tips,” Selley added. “It’s all part of helping the players improve because that’s our aim to ensure kids have fun and enjoy playing football.
“It’s not just the football skills we want them to learn. Communication, team-work and other every day skills are vital so we hope they can pick that up as it will help them for the rest of their lives.”
Courses start from Dh1825 for the full 10 weeks and run in different age groups. Students can choose to attend once, twice or three times a week with classes held between Monday and Saturday. Included in the fee is a full Arsenal kit and bag.
Selley added: “It’s a fun course and it’s open to any ability level. It doesn’t matter if they’ve played football before. We’ve been here for a long time and we have some of the best coaches in Dubai and that’s a big plus.”
What: Arsenal Soccer School
Where: 7he Sevens, Dubai
When: New term starts from Monday, January 11. Visit website for more information on class timings.
Contact: To register, visit www.playthearsenalway.com/dubai
