@DubaiSchoolsFC Dubai Schools Football Cup Champions Claim their Prize and head to Old Trafford

40 Dubai School Students and their coaches to watch Man U play at Old Trafford

The first Dubai Schools Football Cup (DSFC) Champions are heading to the UK tomorrow to claim the Cup’s grand prize, a 3-day trip and packed football program at Old Trafford.

As part of the Grand Prize, first place winning teams in all four categories, Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou in U15 and Dubai National Schools Al Barsha in U12 for the boys and St. Mary’s Catholic High School in U16 and U13 for the girls, will attend a Premier League match with football legends Manchester United, courtesy of DSFC Main Sponsor Chevrolet.

Emirates NBD, one of the main sponsors, will be offering the winners of the ground breaking 8 week tournament the opportunity to participate in a training clinic run by Manchester United coaches at Old Trafford training ground.

The inaugural 2014 DSFC Cup, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Inspiratus promoting active healthy outdoor lifestyles in line with national directives proved to be very successful, bringing together over 1,800 students and 100 teams from 50 public and private schools in a tournament that fostered the values of leadership, humility, collaboration and team work among the students.

 “Through our sponsorship of the DSFC, we witnessed firsthand how football can touch lives, provide opportunities and bring about positive change.  We were proud to have been part of an event that celebrates this primary value that is very close to Chevrolet and we wish the winning teams a fantastic trip,” Ahmed Soudodi, Chevrolet Regional Brand Manager said.

“We believe the DSFC provided an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a generation of young kids from across the world, who call the UAE their home, through the power of football. We are delighted, through our sponsorship, to offer the winners, a unique opportunity for the winning teams to connect with football’s legends and undergo training with a Manchester United coach," said R. Sivaram, Senior Vice President - Head of Retail Assets and Cards Business at Emirates NBD.

“The DSFC proved beyond a doubt that football is more than a ball, two goals and a pitch. The young players demonstrated week after the week that it’s about teamwork, dedication, commitment, leadership, the passion to excel, and above all, great sportsmanship. We believe the DSFC winners are not just champions, they are youth Ambassadors of leadership and healthy lifestyles, proudly representing Dubai and the UAE,” said Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council.

“It was an honor to bring this tournament to life with our partners, Dubai Sports Council and our sponsors Chevrolet and Emirates NBD and we look forward to a growing partnership for many years to come. We are delighted that the DSFC has become the new home of Dubai’s youth football enthusiasts, and look forward to hear about the students’ experience in the UK,” said Hussein Mrad, CEO of Inspiratus.

The first edition of the DSFC, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Inspiratus, was held in under the auspices of the Dubai Education Zone and played on the grounds of Dubai Sports City under the expert guidance of former Real Madrid Star and football legend Michel Salgado.