Air Miles sponsors exclusive event for young sports lovers

The Air Miles sponsored sports academy is the first of its kind in the UAE which focuses on providing its students with a pathway into the top flight through trials and matches with professional clubs, academies and universities around the world.

"Air Miles is committed to the improvement of the communities in which we operate, and as part of this, we have always been at the forefront when it comes to supporting the development of sporting initiatives throughout the Middle East. Our association with the Elite Sports Academy is a big step forward to nurture young sporting talent and get them trained with internationally leading coaches,"

said Dave Battiston, CEO, Air Miles.

"We have been involved with supporting the Elite Sports Academy since its launch in 2008 and we look forward to continuing this association into the future."

ESA, which boasts Everton and Australian football star Tim Cahill as one of its directors, will initially offer programmes for rugby and football while netball, swimming and cricket are due to begin in October. Former England defender Carlton Palmer heads the football training division while Samoa rugby union and league legend Apollo Perelini will lead both the rugby and strength and conditioning programmes.

"ESA provides a world class development programme which will prepare our students for life on and off the field," said John Mamea-Wilson, Managing Director of ESA.

"With Air Miles' support, we have assembled a world class team of coaches, lecturers and guest advisors and we have established relationships with various clubs and individuals across Europe, Japan, the USA and Australia. The combination of these talented resources and the first class facilities at Repton, which will be our base, have produced the first real high performance sports academy this country has ever seen".

ESA is accepting footballers from under 10 through to 16 years and rugby players from under 12 to 16 years old. Places are limited and Mamea-Wilson commented that the Open Day was successful in giving parents and potential students the opportunity to develop a better understanding of what can be the chance of a lifetime.

"ESA provides a wonderful opportunity for children who show sporting potential to enhance their skills and understanding to the necessary level so that they can compete for placement in the professional environment. In regards to the fees, considering the coaches, the programmes and a comprehensive schedule which mirrors any top academy around the world, the value for money is unbelievable," said Wilson.

"In addition to rewarding our members, Air Miles is committed to providing the local community with support, and the Elite Sporting Academy is an excellent example of this" Battiston concluded.