Emaar Education partners with FC Barcelona to strengthen soccer skills of students in the UAE

The initiative aims to strengthen the soccer skills of sports-enthusiastic students in the UAE and signals Emaar Education's commitment to the all-round development of students by promoting excellence in the classroom and beyond.

Raffles International School, the first educational institution in the UAE opened by Emaar in Umm Suqeim, will host the Soccer Academy which will commence in September 2008. Students from schools across the UAE can take part in event with selection trials to begin in March/April. Under the terms of the partnership, the FC Barcelona coaches will also coach the football team of Raffles International School, which opened last year with an intake of 400 students from kindergarten level to Grade 8.

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: "The Soccer Academy aligns with Emaar Education's approach of upholding an integrated pathway model of education where the strengths of students are identified and nurtured for all-round development. The emphasis, thus, is on academic excellence as well as nurturing the sports and artistic skills of students."

He added: "Football is a passion for the young and old alike in the UAE, and the Soccer Academy will provide students with a rare opportunity to be trained by coaches of FC Barcelona football club, one of the renowned names in the sport. The international exposure to football techniques will help the students to build their capabilities, brush shoulders with global teams and help the nation build future football stars, locally."

Mr Boon Yew Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Education LLC, said: "Raffles International School, and its sister school, ER International School in Singapore, have already redefined the educational experience provided to students through our innovative approach. In addition to advanced academic facilities, Raffles International School in Umm Suqeim has a flood-lit football pitch, tennis courts, swimming pools and sports halls, highlighting the importance we place on assuring a holistic learning environment."

The Soccer Academy is being established through Stryx Sports Marketing's licence with FCB Merchandising, a division of FC Barcelona, winners of the European Champion's League in 2006. FCB Merchandising is responsible for opening similar soccer schools across the globe and the FCBEscola Dubai Soccer Academy at Raffles International School is the first such venture in the UAE.

"We are very pleased to establish the Soccer Academy at Raffles International School in Dubai, which has established itself as a premier educational institution," said Hisham El Kheshen, CEO of Stryx Sports Marketing SAE. "This is an unrivalled opportunity for youngsters in the UAE and will help to promote the game of football alongside first class education."

The Soccer Academy will be open to both male and female students from the UAE, aged between six to 14 years. Specialist coaches from FC Barcelona will offer training and coaching to the students three times per week. Interested students have to enroll for the selection trials through Raffles International School.

Casper Stylsvig, Regional Marketing Manager for FCB Marketing, added: "FC Barcelona is one of the most well-respected football clubs in the world and its Camp Nou stadium is home to some of the illustrious players. The club has won numerous top flight competitions, including two UEFA Champions' League titles and four UEFA Cup Winners Cups. The level of coaching at this club is unmatched, and participants in the Soccer Academy can look forward to truly global standards in soccer training."

The selection trials will help students pick up professional nuances of the game, and irrespective of whether the participants are selected to the Soccer Academy or not, every student is assured of a new learning experience.

Mr Boon Yew Ng added: "The Soccer Academy selection trials will be a fun experience for all the students, even for those who do not progress to this coming September training course."

Emaar's expansion into education is in line with the company's Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies. Emaar Education will open world-class educational institutions in the emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia.