This Sunday will see teams from the capital fight it out for the inaugural Abu Dhabi futsal league titles
Abu Dhabi’s inaugural youth futsal leagues reach a pulsating climax this weekend with the grand final in the under 10, under 12 and under 14 categories.
Traditionally, the summer months bring a pause to football activities in Abu Dhabi, but PASS Abu Dhabi, the capital’s premier football organisation has attempted to change that with the introduction of a futsal league.
The Abu Dhabi Futsal League introduces players to futsal, a fast-paced variation of football with smaller, heavier balls, fewer players (5v5), and rules that encourage quick play and creativity.
Matches have been played at the fantastic indoor venue at Repton School on Reem Island for an initial 23 teams at the respective age groups.
Seth Amoafo, CEO of PASS Abu Dhabi, expressed his enthusiasm for the new league: “I have long been passionate about futsal and have been equally frustrated by the summer hiatus in Abu Dhabi’s football activities.
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“The Abu Dhabi Futsal League aims to bridge the gap between the end and start of the football season, providing a dynamic format for our young players. I am optimistic that this league will pave the way for futsal to be integrated alongside our regular football season.”
Amoafo emphasized the suitability of futsal for Abu Dhabi’s technically gifted players: “There is an abundance of talented, technical players here, and futsal is the perfect platform for them to showcase and hone their skills.
“It’s my long-term ambition to eventually bring the futsal World Cup to the UAE and this is the first step.”
To support newcomers to futsal, the league has partnered with Manchester Futsal Club to provide expert technical support, including organising special Zoom sessions, led by the recently retired Doug Reed, who boasts over 100 futsal caps for England.
“Anyone familiar with PASS knows our commitment to developing people,” added Amoafo. “By collaborating with Manchester Futsal Club, we provide our coaches with valuable technical guidance, even if they are new to the game.
“We are already planning another futsal league in September as well as a PASS futsal program to provide further opportunities for futsal lovers of all abilities.”
For more information on the Abu Dhabi Futsal League or to register your team, visit PASS Abu Dhabi, email info@passabudhabi.com or call 056 613 0262
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