Manchester United Soccer Schools Complete Third Season
Ceremony Held to Congratulate Outstanding Performance among Dubai’s Youth; World Skills Finalists Awarded
The 2007/08 Manchester United Soccer Schools program in Dubai, in partnership with Dubai Sports City, has recently concluded with a series of presentations to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the 700 boys and girls from across the region.
The young football enthusiasts gathered at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) Arabian Ranches, the programme’s temporary location before being permanently based in Dubai Sports City, for a special end of season celebration and prize giving ceremony attended by parents and coaches.
The team of MUSS coaches have been delighted with how well the players have applied themselves to furthering both their football and personal development during this season’s course. Head Coach, for the Dubai program, Andy Dixon stated, “It has been great for us to see so many different personalities and nationalities come together and play as a team over the past few months. Now the players must continue to motivate themselves to practice whenever possible and keep working on all aspects of their game to further their development,” said Andy Dixon, Head Coach, MUSS Dubai.
At the end of season ceremony, Bruce Bown (13-14 age group) and Phillipe El Khoury (11-12 age group) were named the overall MUSS skills challenge winners for this season. Bruce and Phillipe, who performed to a consistently high standard in all five of the challenges, were presented with their trophies in front of cheering family and friends.
As the winners, Bruce Bown and Phillipe El Khoury will fly to the United Kingdom to represent Dubai at the MUSS World Skills Final held at the famous Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester United’s coveted home ground.
Bruce Bown and Phillipe El Khoury proved their talent throughout the MUSS programme by scoring the highest total number of points within all age groups during the unique series of skills challenges.
“I feel proud that I have won this trophy and happy with myself because I worked really hard this season. I can’t wait to go to represent MUSS Dubai in England later this year and compete in the Worlds Skills Final,” said Bruce Bown, MUSS Skills Challenge finalist.
Other winners, who have won a trip to the Manchester United Soccer Schools Residential Camp in August, include Matthew Hodgson, winner of the7-8 age group, Omar Bouhouch, winner of the 9-10 age group, and Mikhail Tverko, winner of the 15+ age group.
In addition, two Emarati’s Hashem Khoory, in the 13-14 age group, received the Code of Conduct Award and Nasser Al Khamis, in the 11-12 age group, received the Personal Achievement Award. Nasser received an all expense paid trip to Manchester to watch Manchester United against West Ham United last weekend.
Khalid Al Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City said “The MUSS programme provides a world class platform for building skills and confidence at an early age. Our mission is to continue encouraging young people to participate in sport and provide them with the very best facilities. We look forward to continued success for MUSS.”
This season’s Manchester United Soccer Schools program in Dubai is being presented by title sponsor Nestle Milo along with supporting sponsors Pepsi and SNTTA. Dubai Sports City Football Academy is the home of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai.
