Katara, Cultural Village announced record figures of visitors for National Sports Day, which was held on Tuesday 14th February under the decree issued on December 6th 2011 by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Heir Apparent.

With over 300,000 visitors, the day featured a variety of events for all ages including a table tennis zone and games of beach volleyball and beach football in addition to an exclusive football match. Visitors made use of the 150 bicycles on display which were available free of charge enjoying a ride around the cultural village with the family.

Dr. Emad Sultan, Cultural Affairs Director commented on the occasion, “This occasion marks the first of many Sports Days to come, with a record number of visitors. The plans for next year are underway as we hope to attract an even larger number in an effort to see more families enjoy our events at Katara.”

The day saw the opening of art exhibitions Vintage Sports Photography Collection by Sultan Al Jassim and a collection by former Qatari footballer, Ibrahim Khalfan. Featuring 30 paintings, the collection depicted traditional and modern day Qatar. The exhibition is open to the public running until 25th February.

Mohammed Bin Drai crowned ‘Most Valuable Player’ and Sybarita ‘Best Playing Pony’ from La Martina

Dubai, UAE, 25th February 2012: For the first time the Cartier team are the proud winners of their own Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, In a thrilling match at Desert Palm, the Cartier team narrowly defeated the current holders of the impressive trophy, Desert Palm, 10-9.

Earlier in the match it had looked as if Cartier were going to win easily as they were leading 10-3 at the end of the third chukka. However the dynamic of the game changed in the fourth and final chukka with Desert Palm scoring six goals to none in reply from Cartier. Martin Valent, captain of the Desert Palm team, was ferocious in attack in this period, seemingly scoring goal after goal. Appropriately though, time was on the side of Cartier and the final bell rang before Desert Palm could level the score.

As the event’s patron, HRH Princess Haya, was unable to attend the final day of polo, HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the prizes, accompanied by Cartier guest Charlotte Casiraghi , Bernard Fornas, Chief Executive of Cartier and Louis Ferla, Managing Director of Cartier Dubai.

Adriano Agosti stepped forward to receive the trophy and then watched as his team-mate, Mohammed Bin Drai, was named Most Valuable Player from La Martina. He was presented with a pair of polo boots by La Martina. Cartier’s Juan Jose Brane received a La Martina saddle for the Best Playing Pony from Charlotte Casiraghi.

The pony, Sybarita, is owned by Saeed Bin Drai and was played by Brane in the final chukka. After the main presentations HH Sheikh Mansour and Ali Albwardy presented a cheque to Satish Seemar, Director of the Riding for the Disabled Association of Dubai which is based at Desert Palm.

Sami Al Attar, Brand Manager, La Martina, the official supplier of the 7th Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge said: “This tournament has become over the years one of the most important and prestigious polo tournaments in the region. The weather was excellent and the audience was very sporting which clearly demonstrates that the game of polo is attracting growing interest in the UAE.”

Al Attar added: “It was our pleasure to supply this event as well as name Mohammed Bin Drai as La Martina Most Valuable Player who undoubtedly has showed spectacular performance in the final match. Unarguably, Best Playing Pony for Sybarita, owned by Saeed Bin Drai, was a well deserved title.”

Four pro-am polo teams have been playing all week at Desert Palm in the 7th Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge. The two teams that did not make it to the final had the opportunity to play for the Desert Palm Trophy on the same afternoon. This went to Julius Baer, who defeated CNN 8-6. The Swiss bank is in its third year of team sponsorship and so was delighted to register its first win at the event.

Porsche drives race fever in Qatar

Dubai.  Qatar’s motor racing fans can look forward to an action-packed programme when the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East makes its debut at Losail International Circuit next week.
 
The Porsche one-make series features some of the Arab world’s top circuit drivers, and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdulaziz Al Faisal is aiming to take another step towards his second GT3 Cup title in Rounds 9-10 on March 2-3.

It promises to be a thrilling weekend of floodlit night-time racing, with the Porsche GT3 Cup series headlining, supported by the fourth round of the Qatar International Road Racing Championship.

With some of the Arab world’s top circuit racing stars battle for championship points and positions, the authorised Porsche dealer in Qatar is making every effort to produce a bumper crowd at Losail for what could be a decisive weekend in the 2011-12 GT3 Cup series.

Backing up a strong national promotional campaign, Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles has also sent out race invitations to 7,000 customers and other car enthusiasts and will be hosting 700 VIP guests at the circuit over the two days.

Meanwhile, an impressive line-up of unique Porsche models will be on display at the circuit, and a wide range of fashion and other items from the Porsche Design Driver’s Selection, as well as the Porsche Design range of accessories, will be available.

“We’re very excited that the Porsche GT3 series is coming to Qatar, and so are our
customers, and motor racing enthusiasts in general,” said Salman Jassim Al Darwish, CEO and Chairman of Porsche Centre Doha.

“It has added another chapter in the Middle East to Porsche’s proud motor racing history, and we’re very happy to be playing our part in supporting a series which sets new standards in this region.

“We want to make the race weekend at Losail International Circuit one to remember for our customers, and they can look forward to some terrific race action and a great all-round experience.”

While Abdulaziz Al Faisal could open up a virtually unassailable championship lead to carry into the final two rounds in Bahrain on March 30-31, a poor weekend for the 2009-10 champion could allow fellow-Saudi Bandar Alesayi to close the gap from second place.

Qatar will be well represented, as Abdul Rahman Al Thani will make his GT3 Cup debut at Losail while compatriot Saadon Al Kuwari aims to take another step towards clinching the
Michelin Silver Trophy in the intermediate class.

La Martina, official supplier of the event, presents prizes to winners of second day 

Dubai, UAE 23rd February 2012: Cartier team, the title sponsor’s team continued their winning run at Desert Palm on day 2 of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge by defeating CNN who received half a goal on handicap. This was Cartier’s second match in the four-day competition.

CNN struggled to get into the game in the first two chukkas and were trailing 7-2 by half time. However the white shirts rallied in the second half, closing the gap to 7-4 in the third. Despite some strong play from Hissam Ali Hyder, CNN were unable to close the gap before the umpires, Oliver Ellis and Howard Hipwood.

Sami Al Attar, Brand Manager, La Martina official supplier of the 7th Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, presented the prizes to Cartier team players, Juan Jose Brane, Francisco Elizalde, Adriano Agosti and Mohammed Bin Drai and to the Desert Palm Team players, Alfredo Capella, Martin Valent, Faris Al Yabhouni and Tariq Albwardy.

The first game of day 2 of the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge was a contest between Desert Palm and Julius Baer, who received half a goal on handicap. Desert Palm, who must still be favorites to win this competition as they have dominated in the previous two years, did not disappoint their many fans watching the game from the Desert Palm Resort terrace. The home side was 5-2 up at half-time and went on to win the match 10-5.5. Julius Baer battled hard throughout the four chukkas but the Alfredo Capella, Martin Valent partnership proved insurmountable.

“We are glad to sponsor this event which demonstrates the level of polo and equine sports in the UAE. La Martina has always been great supporter of such events and we are thrilled by the performances on the first two days,” Al Attar said.

Earlier in the polo challenge, the CNN team and the Cartier team won the first day competitions. The first game was a closer affair between the CNN and Julius Baer teams. CNN did have the edge throughout the match, but their advantage was only ever one or two goals and some great play from Julius Baer, especially from the stick of Pancho Marin Moreno, always kept them in contention until the final whistle, by which time the scoreboard read 7 -5 to CNN. The title sponsor’s team in the 7th Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge began their campaign with an impressive victory over the title holders and hosts of the competition, Desert Palm. They defeated the home side 9-6 in a thrilling four-chukka match that resembled the faster paced high-goal game. The impressive partnership of Juan Jose Brane and Francisco Elizalde kept the red shirts of Cartier ahead throughout the match, despite some impressive defensive play from Alfredo Capella and Martin Valent.

February 22, 2012, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Experienced instructor Jae Min Lee from South Korea has joined the award-winning coaching team at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The 33-year-old, who comes from the Troon-managed Alpensia Golf and Country Club in PyeongChang east of Seoul, is looking forward to making a difference to golfers in the Emirate and working closely with the growing Korean community.

“I’m committed to enhancing and expanding the Troon Golf experience for the Koreans here, the Golf Institute development programs and golf in Abu Dhabi,” said Jae, who is also studying accountancy.

“There are a lot of Koreans living and working in Abu Dhabi so it’s an exciting opportunity for me. “I’m keen to make a mark and really add to the tremendous reputation the club has.”

Jae has worked as an instructor at a range of clubs in the United States, including Mountain Brook Golf Club, Palm Springs Golf Centre and Castle Creek Golf Course. He has a bachelors degree in Agribusiness and professional golf management from the Arizona State University.

It was in Arizona where Jae made an impact on the 10,000-strong Korean community, coaching juniors right through to more senior players. He is a natural teacher and has also taught as a ski instructor and Sunday School teacher.

Danny Jakubowski, Director of instruction at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, believes Jae brings a wealth of talent and enthusiasm to his team.

“Jae is a huge asset for us and he not only offers a tremendous amount of experience but his passion for the game and teaching people is what has seen him deliver such great results for golfers of all standards in the past.”

“He has a distinct way of working with people which we think will be ideal for here and we are very much looking forward to seeing some fantastic results while he is in Abu Dhabi.”  

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, offers one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East. The 27-hole layout is managed by Troon Golf and is a par-72, 7,600-yard course. The course provides a tough-but-fair challenge, with 18 holes of lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens.

Patience takes Abdulaziz to victory and big lead in title race

Riyadh.  After playing a patient waiting game to grab victory in Round 8 of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, Abdulaziz Al Faisal has taken a major step towards his second driver’s title in three years.

The Saudi’s third win of the season on home territory prevented Austrian Clemens Schmid from dominating the race weekend at Reem International Circuit outside Riyadh, and extended his lead in the 12-round championship to 16 points over fellow-Saudi Bandar Alesayi.

After starting in pole position for the second time in 24 hours on Thursday, Round 7 winner Schmid looked like making it a double success in front of one of Saudi’s biggest ever motor racing crowds.

But a momentary lapse in concentration by the young Austrian on the tenth of 16 laps presented Abdulaziz with an opening which he gratefully accepted to take a tighter grip on the Porsche GT3 Cup series.

Making it an even better day for the Saudi Falcons, his team-mate Saeed Al Mouri produced a mature performance to finish third for his first podium place in the Porsche one-make series as an estimated 12,000 spectators enjoyed a busy programme of on and off-track events at Reem.

With Alesayi finishing fourth, Saudi’s Faisal Binladen and Swiss driver Armin Schmid completed the top six.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I had much chance of winning,” admitted Abdulaziz at the finish. “I knew that I needed Clemens to make a mistake, and so I just waited and that’s what happened.”

Seventh position allowed Qatar’s Saadon Al Kuwari to stay nine points ahead of Schmid in the Michelin Silver Trophy standings for the intermediate class, while German driver Hannes Waimer opened up a 12-point lead in the Mobil 1 Trophy for rookies or drivers over 45.

The Porsche GT3 Cup series now heads for Qatar for its debut at Losail International Circuit on March 2-3, with the final two rounds to follow at Bahrain International Circuit on March 30-31.

Round 8 results

1. Abdulaziz Al Faisal (KSA) Saudi Falcons  20:46.267
2. Clemens Schmid (AUT)     20:46.519
3. Saeed Al Mouri KSA) Saudi Falcons   21:57.689
4. Bandar Alesayi (KSA) Saudi GT Racing   20:58.273
5. Faisal Binladen (KSA) Saudi Falcons   20:59.910
6. Armin Schmid (CH) Team TCE    21:05.055
7. Karim Al Azhari (UAE) Al Nabooda Racing  21:05.686
8. Saadon Al Kuwari (QAT)    21:14.970
9. Manfred Ender (AUT) Frins Structural Steel  21:21.782  
10. Hannes Waimer (GER) Team TCE   21:30.068  
11. Rob Frijns (NL) Frins Structural Steel  21:32.937
12. Shk Hamad Isa Al Khalifa (BAH) Saudi GT Racing 18:47.551 – 2 laps

Championship positions after Round 8
1. Abdulaziz Al Faisal (KSA) Saudi Falcons  148pts    
2. Bandar Alesayi (KSA) Saudi GT Racing  132pts 
3. Saeed Al Mouri KSA) Saudi Falcons  100pts
4. Clemens Schmid (AUT)    88pts
5. Stephane Lemeret (BEL) Al Nabooda Racing 86pts 
6. Ahmad Al Harthy (OM) Oman Air Racing  80pts 
7. Saddon Al Kuwari (QA)   67pts
8. Armin Schmid CH Team TCE       58pts
9. Hannes Waimer (GER) Team TCE  43pts
10. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing 39pts

Michelin Silver Trophy

1. Saadon Al Kuwari (QA)          67pts
2. Armin Schmid (CH) Team TCE     58pts
3. Hans Guido Riegel (GER) Haribo Racing 39pts
4. Mark Thomas (CAN)    27pts

Mobil 1 Trophy

1. Hannes Waimer (GER)     43pts
2. Rob Frijns (NL)    31pts
3. Fawaz Algosaibi (KSA) ClassicArabia Racing 30pts
4. Manfred Ender (AUT)    26pts
5. Cengiz J.Oguzhan (TUR)   9pts
6. Jaber Al Khalifa (BAH)   7pts

By: Ken Read, Skipper, PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG

Man are things changing out here. Must be very exciting to watch, and I imagine if you are a PUMA fan you are wondering what the heck is going on! Well before that, let’s step back a couple of days.

A hundred miles or so from the end of the Straits – I know you have heard from Amory that we had a little situation…almost a huge situation. Let me explain.

About a mile off the Malaysian shore with Groupama and Telefónica within half a mile of us, it was dawn and the sun was just rising. There were several shoals that Tom Addis was guiding us through and the wind was very light. In fact, the other two boats were pretty light inshore of us so we were easing offshore a touch in a puff. 

Imagine this: your shoulder is shaken and you hear, “Wake up, I think we are aground,” says an unidentified crew member. 

I flew out of bed to jump on deck to see the other two boats moving away from us and we are not moving. But there was no crash, no bang. Then Casey says, “I think we are in a fish trap!” This isn’t good.

Sure enough there is a small black flag barely visible about 100 yards to the left, and a fishing boat sits about 200 yards to the left of the flag. All were thinking there may be a net attached around the boat and the black flag. Well, once we rolled up the headsail that covers the entire right side of the boat, in the increasing sunlight we see another tiny black flag about a half mile to our right. The two black flags have a net that strings between the two and we are firmly caught…in really light air and barely maneuverable conditions.

First things first: assess the situation, role up the headsail and try to back out. But, we are reaching when we run in to the net, so backing out is nearly impossible. 

Now comes the amusing part. Communication between an Australian from Adelaide and two Malaysian fishermen who are pretty pissed off that we are caught in their net.

First they offer to throw a line, which we have to refuse as tempting as it was. No outside assistance allowed. Ryan Godfrey is now trying to get them to go to the end of the net at the black flag and do something with it…in fact none of us speak enough Malaysian/Australian to really understand what Ryan was talking about never mind what the Malaysians were saying in return. So, as you can imagine it really didn’t get us very far.

Next step, send the kid in the water. Rome Kirby gets his mask and jumps in to the unbelievably murky depths, only to figure out when his head actually hits the keel prior to him seeing the keel that the water visibility isn’t very good. Get him out before some Malaysian sea snake gets him. And believe me, there was a chance because the Malaysian fishermen were shocked someone would be in the water. Even I could understand that communication between the two of them.

Next plan. Try backing off again and use the staysail unfurled to help guide the boat better in reverse. In essence, about 45 minutes after we were caught into the net, we backed sideways along it and steered the boat with the headsail until we were pointing in the opposite direction. Casey heard some tearing sounds like the net was giving way, so we pulled open the big code 0 and probably finished off these poor guys’ net, pulling ourselves out and heading back where we came from. 

Finally, after 1 hour we rounded the far black flag (about a 1-foot by 1-foot flag on a 3-foot stick) and we were off. Chasing a pack of two that we could no longer see on the horizon.

This was what the travel brochure told us to expect. Unlit fishing nets. We all talked about them. We saw a million of them. But as always, you see them during the day and somehow you pray at night. Due to an unfortunate number of circumstances, we found one pretty well. We’ll send Ryan back to speak with the fishermen about fixing their net later.

The comeback trail began immediately. We were pissed but at the same time relieved to be out. IF it had been a well-built net, we would have been there for ages and quite frankly I don’t know how we would have gotten out. 

From there it was off to the bottleneck in the Straits where about a million of the largest ships you have ever seen were waiting for us. More on that later.

- Kenny

IMAGES

No. 47
Skipper Ken Read on the helm. PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG during leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Sanya, China. (Credit: Amory Ross/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race)

No. 173
PUMA Mar Mostro’s torpedo shaped keel canted at 40-degrees. PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG during leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, from Abu Dhabi, UAE to Sanya, China. (Credit: Amory Ross/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race)

VIDEO
Watch the latest from onboard PUMA’s Mar Mostro HERE - Boatfeed, Jan. 31, Plan of a Tack. All videos are available online at www.puma.com/sailing and to download for free on iTunes

Tune in to Episode 8 of the PUMAcast series: So You Want to Build a Volvo 80. PUMA’s Mar Mostro began as a simple idea: build the world’s strongest, fastest Volvo Open 70. Along the way a few other ideas popped up too…a transparent hull, black sails, giant octopus tentacles… Go behind the scenes and see the PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG team as they construct a high-tech, state of the art VO 70 from start to finish. Also available on YouTube.

For more photos, as well as information on the race, team and crew visit www.puma.com/sailing. For more information on BERG, visit www.poweredbyberg.com.

SHARJAH

The region’s most anticipated automotive graphic design event – the MEMTS Airbrush Contest – is here.

To be held as part of the third edition of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show at Expo Centre Sharjah from March 15 to 17, 2012, the Airbrush Contest aims to bring the spotlight on to the rising stars in the field.

The competition, now in its second instalment, will give people a chance to create their own car body airbrush design or win a free airbrush design for their car.

“The Airbrush Contest will help enthusiasts showcase their artistic ability and add more excitement and a dash of colour and creativity to the region’s premier tuning show. The contest was a runaway success last year and we are back with this exciting pre-event activity aimed at inspiring creative minds,” said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

The winning airbrushed car and design, to be chosen by online voting, will be unveiled on the first day of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show, and will be carried out on the vehicle live at the show.

“As in the past edition of the contest, we will look into the originality, element of art and craftsmanship of participants. The work of art will take shape right before your eyes as we will take the winning design from paper to metal,” added Mr Midfa.

The airbrush design will be carried out by Al Ghandi Customs, the leading tuning and modification garage in the UAE.

“Possibilities are infinite, the only limitation is your imagination,” said James Liddle, Director – Aftersales, Al Ghandi Auto Group.

According to the contest’s rules and regulations, participants can choose to enter the ‘Car for airbrush’ or ‘Airbrush design’ categories, or both. In the ‘Car for airbrush’ category, contestants need to illustrate why their vehicles should be chosen for a free airbrush design.

“How persuasive you are with your reasons will decide how many votes you will get and it is perfectly OK to ask your friends and well-wishers to lend their support in getting the maximum votes for your car,” added Mr Midfa.

In the ‘Airbrush design’ category, contestants will have to submit their airbrush designs, and the entries will be featured on the MEMTS website seeking votes from visitors.

Entries for the Airbrush Contest can be submitted from February 1 until 29 and the 10 finalists will be announced on March 1.

For its forthcoming edition, MEMTS will feature the latest trends in car modification from leading global companies, including several dedicated areas for different types of cars and customization.

“We are back again. And this time we are packing a powerful punch with several new amazing features, new partners and new participants. Get ready for three days of pure, unadulterated fun and excitement,” said Roman Gavrilin, Project Manager, Middle East Motor Tuning Show.

Some of the hot attractions at the show will include the Performance tuning, Styling and Accessories Area and the Car Audio section.

The entertainment section will host two drifting arenas where a 4×4 vehicle drifting is supported by Top Speed Performance and another area for saloon car drifting is organized by SSK Drift team. This is in addition to the EMMA Car Audio Competition which has become a regular ‘volume’ addition to the event.

The second edition of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show was held in May 2011 and during its three-day run it attracted more than 30,000 visitors.

Herzogenaurach, Germany (2 February 2012) - PUMA announced today it has entered into a new multi-year partnership with BMW Motorsport.  The global Sportlifestyle brand has become the Official Supplier of team and racewear for all BMW Motorsport racing operations, including DTM, ALMS and various high-profile long-distance races such as 24h Nürburgring.  PUMA will also assume the role of Exclusive Licensed Partner for BMW Motorsport for the product categories of Footwear, Apparel and Accessories.

This new partnership, effective from 1 February 2012, will see PUMA benefit from prominent branding locations on all BMW Motorsport racing cars and all Race and Teamwear for BMW Motorsport technical staff.  With BMW re-entering the DTM racing class in 2012 following an illustrious history in GT car racing, PUMA will outfit drivers Martin Tomczyk, Bruno Spengler, Andy Priaulx, Augusto Farfus, Dirk Werne and Joey Hand with the latest innovations in fireproof technology.

In 2004, PUMA first partnered with BMW Motorsport, through its involvement with the BMW Williams Formula One team.  This relationship continued when BMW acquired Sauber F1 to become BMW Sauber F1, and after BMW ceased its Formula One activities in 2009 to reorganise its activities, PUMA and BMW Motorsport have once again joined forces with this new deal.

PUMA will also develop BMW Motorsport licensed products for global sales and distribution.  While existing motorsport markets in Europe are a key focus for this distribution, a strong emphasis will be placed on expanding sales performance of BMW Motorsport products in emerging markets, particularly in Asia Pacific and the Americas. 

“It is great to have such a well-known and reliable partner as PUMA on board again at such an exciting time for us,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The link between BMW Motorsport and this successful company has grown over the years and goes as far back as the 2004 season. It is hard to imagine our team and driver apparel without the characteristic PUMA logo. As a strong partner in the field of licensed products, PUMA will play a major role in ensuring that our fans around the world enjoy the products from the BMW Motorsport collections.”

Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA said: “PUMA is delighted to once again be working with BMW Motorsport, following the successes we enjoyed with them through their tenure in Formula One.  Their heritage in competitive motorsport and automotive engineering is so impressive, and their global profile derived from this makes them another strong partner for PUMA in motorsport.  Through our experience in licensed product development and distribution we are fully confident this will be a successful partnership for both parties, and we hope to grow it in the years to come.”

Dr. Thomas Goerdt, Head of Lifestyle Collections in the BMW Group, added: “From 2012, BMW will be even more active and prominent in motorsport than it has been in recent years. For this reason, securing this partnership with PUMA was a priority for BMW Lifestyle right from the start. As leading sport lifestyle brand, PUMA boasts a unique wealth of expertise and proficiency in developing and distributing licensed products on a global scale. Bearing in mind the great success we have enjoyed together in the past, we are looking forward to continuing this partnership.”

Eleven local coaches accredited at leading UAE soccer school

Abu Dhabi, UAE 29 January 2012:  Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) in Abu Dhabi has underlined its commitment to the development of local talent by accrediting eleven UAE-based football coaches through its rigorous coaching programme.

The coaches who support the MUSS team of Andy Dixon and Craig Taylor all hail from sporting backgrounds and have proved their commitment to developing young football talent in the UAE.

A true blend of nationalities and cultures, reflecting the population of Abu Dhabi and of the children who take part in the MUSS programmes, the 11-strong team of local coaches include UAE national Ahmed Hamoud, a former Al Jazira striker and former professional Dutch footballer with AFC Ajax, Khalid Hamdaoui.

Leading the UAE’s first girls-only football programme is local coach Stela Samuela, a physical education teacher with GEMS American Academy in Khalifa City who is originally from Romania and has lived in the UAE for eight years.

Andy Dixon, MUSS head coach in Abu Dhabi, said: “We have trained these coaches to fully understand how to deliver fantastic soccer programmes the Manchester United way and make a difference in the lives of the children who take part in our programmes.

“We attract players of all abilities, from many different backgrounds, and with different learning abilities, and we develop our coaches so that they are able to get the best out of every individual they work with.”

Gavin Rhodes, Head of Coaching for Manchester United Soccer Schools based in Old Trafford who oversees all local coach development in the UK and abroad visited the UAE capital to formally accredit the Abu Dhabi team. 

“Our commitment to work with and be part of the local community in a city like Abu Dhabi is so important,” he said.  “Having seen the coaches in their sessions, watching the way they teach the art of football to children from all over the world underlines to me the vital role our local coaches play in delivering the very best teaching methods to our MUSS children.

“We are very proud of our coaching team in Abu Dhabi.  They continue to represent Manchester United Soccer Schools in a very professional and positive way, delivering against our key coaching philosophies.  To see such a development across the last 12 months is great testimony to everyone concerned with the Abu Dhabi programme”.

Manchester United Soccer Schools in Abu Dhabi Local Coaches
 Adil Bentafrit, Morocco
 Ahmed Hamood, UAE
 Brett Dickerson, USA
 Khalid Hamdaoui, Holland
 Khalid Al Maflahi, UAE
 Llion Thomas, UK
 Marc Evans, UK
 Paul Walker, UK
 Reda El Hammouni, Morocco
 Seth Amoafo, Ghana
 Stela Samuela, Romania

The MUSS Abu Dhabi coaching team is now teaching more than 350 children signed up to the latest soccer school programme which focuses on the skills and attitude of three Manchester United legends, Ryan Giggs, Nani and Antonio Valencia.  The new girls-only sessions are now fully booked, emphasising the popularity of football among girls in the UAE.

Registration is now open for the April 2012 programme, ‘Learn to attack with flair the United way’, which features 12.5 hours of on-field coaching by the certified MUSS coaches.  The cost of AED1,650 includes an exclusive Nike Manchester United training kit of shirt, shorts and socks, MUSS drawstring bag, water bottle and skills ball as well as catch-up sessions and individual player evaluation.

All players enrolled in the programme in Abu Dhabi will take part in the MUSS series of skills challenges with the top two point scorers receiving an all expenses paid trip to Manchester to represent Abu Dhabi in the World Skills Final at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground as well as the world famous Old Trafford stadium in 2012.

Abu Dhabi based developer Reem Investments, which signed a partnership agreement with MUSS, built the Dome@Rawdhat to create a vibrant sporting community in the area.  More than 12,000 people use the facilities every month. 

To learn more about the MUSS programme visit www.manutdsoccerschools.ae or call 02 449 8480.