Dubai Sports City in major deal with Manchester United Soccer Schools

Mr. Khalid Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City, said: "This is a great opportunity for DSC to extend relations with leading international brand names as well as significantly expanding support for the development of soccer academies in the territory. The deal will ensure global-level coaching on a year-round basis for all ages."

MUSS joins a growing list of international sporting brand names which have already affiliated with DSC in ground-breaking initiatives. These include an Ernie Els signature golf course, a David Lloyd tennis facility and a Butch Harmon golf academy. All are part of the Phase I of DSC, which also features a variety of world-class sports stadiums.

Dale Hobson, Football Business Affairs Consultant for MUSS and Manchester United Merchandising Ltd. (MUML) said: "We hope that the evolution of this unique facility will encourage more youngsters to participate in soccer and achieve their full potential. This region has a tremendous talent pool and now, with the very best facilities and coaching available at DSC, I am sure we will see teams from the GCC becoming more competitive on the international stage."

The academy, which is due for completion in 2007, is set to attract talent not only from the UAE but also from the wider Middle East, Africa and the Indian Sub-continent, as well as other international destinations.

"By introducing quality and renowned global names, DSC has taken another step towards making Dubai one of the world's most popular sporting destinations," Al Zarooni concluded.

In another related development, Nike Inc. has an agreement with Manchester United Plc. to manage and operate Manchester United Soccer Schools and Manchester United Merchandising Ltd.