Registration for new Manchester United Soccer Schools season opens with huge interest

Football fever has hit an all time high among youngsters across the UAE and registrations for MUSS have also been boosted following the recent Euro 2008 Football Championships, and the UAE's success in gaining a place in the Asian Qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"We have reached our capacity of over 700 participants signed up to MUSS every year for the past three years, so it is evident that soccer and sports as a whole is an activity loved by many children. By providing a world-class platform like MUSS, we aim to inspire the UAE's youngsters by offering excellent training and soccer development,"

said Khalid Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City.

For the upcoming season, MUSS has added a brand new age group for six year olds, allowing younger players to take part in the popular programme.

The fourth season of the MUSS program will follow the school term system and will offer 10-week courses, which will begin on 4 October 2008 at the Emirates International School- Jumeirah.

"We have received an overwhelming response from both returning MUSS participants and first-time applicants who want to make sure they have a place for the upcoming season. The kids are always excited to improve their football skills, make new friends, and have the opportunity to participate in our skills challenges, and this is why MUSS is very popular amongst the UAE youth,"

said Andy Dixon, Head Coach, MUSS Dubai.

The last season of the MUSS programme attracted over 700 boys and girls of 60 different nationalities.

MUSS offers children aged 6-18 the opportunity to learn to play football "the United way," through their skills development programme, created in line with the philosophy of the famous Manchester United Youth Academy.

"By adding a six year-old age group, we are giving the opportunity for younger players to build their soccer skills, develop their confidence, and support their love for the game of soccer," added Dixon.

All participants will take part in the unique series of MUSS skills challenges in which five highest point scorers will be selected to represent the UAE at the MUSS residential course in the UK, with the top two scorers attending the MUSS World Skills final, held at Manchester United's famous Old Trafford stadium. In addition, each child attending this season will be given the opportunity to travel to Manchester and spend one week at the MUSS residential camp.

Application forms for the MUSS programme are available from the MUSS booking hotline, 04 425 1125, or via the MUSS website.

The Manchester United Soccer Schools Dubai is set to be permanently located in Dubai Sports City upon completion of its new facilities within the Dubai Sports City Football Academy in the first quarter of 2009.