Soccer stars kick off Chelsea Soccer Schools

Hosted by Etihad Airways, the official airline and platinum sponsor of English premier league side Chelsea Football Club, the first day of the soccer schools took place at Al Ain Football Club today (Tuesday, 10 February) before moving to Abu Dhabi for four further days of coaching sessions between11and 14 February.

Five hundred boys and girls, aged between seven and 14, will learn top football skills in specialist clinics run by former players, including French 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winner, Marcel Desailly and members of Chelsea's youth academy coaching staff.

Alongside Marcel will be former England and Chelsea star, Graeme Le Saux and one of the world's leading female footballers, Lorrie Fair. Lorrie, a former United States international and youngest member of the 1999 US World Cup winning team, joined Chelsea as an ambassador last year.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' executive vice president marketing and product, said: "To bring the Chelsea Soccer Schools back to Abu Dhabi for a second year following the huge success in 2008 is very exciting, particularly for the kids who'll be taking part.

"During the event more than 500 school children will have access to former players and coaches from Chelsea and I'm sure it will be a huge success for football in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. We are thrilled also to include a day in Al Ain during the visit of the football stars."

Mohammed Al Mahmoud, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: "This is a great sporting initiative for Abu Dhabi. At Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we are committed to grass roots sport and thank Etihad Airways, Chelsea Football Club and all the event partners for leading the way with the Middle East's leading youth football programme here in Abu Dhabi."

Photo caption: 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000 winner, Marcel Desailly, joined local children at Al Ain Football Club for the opening day of the Etihad Airway Chelsea Soccer Schools. The schools also take place in Abu Dhabi between10-14 February.