Abu Dhabi, UAE, 18 September 2011: Two Abu Dhabi-based boys have topped 28 other competitors to represent the UAE capital in the Manchester United Soccer Schools World Skills Final which takes place in front of 75,000 spectators at Old Trafford.
Ben Rose, 15 from the UK, and Do Hyum Kim, 12 from South Korea, took part in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Skills Final on Saturday 17 September at the Dome@Rawdhat, which tested their dribbling, short passing and ball control techniques.
Their hard work has won them an all-expenses paid trip to the UK to play alongside aspiring young footballers from around the globe in the MUSS World Skills Final.
Kicking off at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, the event reaches its climax in front of a packed house at Old Trafford before the Red Devils’ Premiership game against promoted Norwich City on Saturday 1, October.
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” said Ben. “I didn’t think I had done that well, but to go to Manchester at Old Trafford and play in front on 75,000 fans is unreal. I’m shell-shocked and can’t thank my parents enough for their support.”
Do added, “It was very hard work out there because it was hot and humid, but I did my best and am delighted to be going to Old Trafford next month. I have really enjoyed myself at Manchester United Soccer Schools in Abu Dhabi and I look forward to coming back. We have learnt so much, not just soccer skills, but attitude, behaviour and how to be better people.”
World Skills Final 2
More than 800 seven to 16-year-olds took part in the first season of MUSS football programmes in Abu Dhabi which were launched by Reem Investments at the Dome@Rawdhat in October last year.
The MUSS skills challenge competition tested the children’s dribbling, short passing and ball control techniques, and ten winners were announced on completion of each of the three modules making up the 2010-11 programme.
The 30 finalists this weekend highlighted the multi-cultural nature of the MUSS programme in Abu Dhabi, with the line-up of nationalities including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Australia, South Korea, Italy and France.
The second MUSS season kicks off on Saturday 1 October, 2011 with themes reflecting the dynamic styles seen from players like Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in United’s brilliant start to the 2011-12 Premiership campaign. To learn more about the MUSS programme visit www.manutdsoccerschools.ae or call 02 449 8480.
Captions:
1. Ben Rose and Do Hyum Kim, the winners of the Abu Dhabi Skills Final who win an all expenses paid trip to play in front of 75,000 fans at Old Trafford.
2. The Manchester United Soccer Schools Abu Dhabi Skills Final competitors and coaches.
3. Ben Rose, 15 from the UK, on the pitch.
4. Do Hyum Kim, 12 from South Korea, on the pitch.