Arsenal Soccer School Dubai opens

As the inaugural coaching class got under way, the news was out that an Arsenal first team player will be visiting the school in its first week.

On Friday, 9th October, Mikael Silvestre, one of the most decorated footballers in Premier League history, will be paying a visit to the Arsenal Soccer School to meet the newly enrolled students, and let them benefit from his experience.

The 32-year-old French defender has a wealth of experience gained from his 40 international appearances, including participation at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and 14 years playing at the highest level.

The Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai is a joint venture between Arsenal and Emirates, where boys and girls of all ages benefit from learning to 'Play the Arsenal Way'.

Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline & Group, said: "There is no better way to learn than from benefiting from the knowledge and experience of those currently playing top level football.

"One of the foundations on which the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai was built, was that along with Arsenal we would be bringing these top flight players to Dubai, to meet those pupils who have enrolled in the School. This is one of the added values that we are able to offer, in addition to the permanent base for the school at our dedicated sports venue, 7he Sevens."

In addition to the high level of coaching, Emirates and Arsenal are committed to ensuring that all those enrolled in the school get to spend time with players who have already learnt from Arsene Wenger, the club's first-team coach who is renowned for his skill in nurturing young talent.

Silvestre follows in the footsteps of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, full-back Gael Clichy and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, to visit Dubai though Emirates' sponsorship of Arsenal; and share their knowledge with the football fans in the region.

Wenger said: "It is a proud day for Arsenal to see our latest Arsenal Soccer School open and especially as it is in partnership with our long-term sponsor Emirates. I am glad that Mikael will be able to be in Dubai and welcome these young footballers to the school on behalf of Arsenal."

Silvestre said: "I am really looking forward to meeting the boys and girls who have signed up for the first term of the Arsenal Soccer School in Dubai. I know that they will have fun, and learn a great deal from the Arsenal coaching methods, which are based around the same principles that Arsene Wenger teaches us in the first team."

Limited places are still available for the first term with each 10-week term for one session per week, with fees for two sessions a week. Each session is between 60 to 75 minutes in duration.