LaLiga launches its first High Performance Centre for young footballers in Dubai

LaLiga's work in the Middle East today took an important step forward with the announcement of the launch of LaLiga's first High Performance Centre in Dubai. The facility will become the breeding ground for the stars of the future, who are already developing their game thanks to the work of 'du Football Champions' ('du FC').

Hundreds of schools and thousands of youngsters across the UAE currently contest the UAE Schools Cup and the UAE Streets Cup, competitions organised by LaLiga and 'du FC'. The winners of the tournament will get the chance to enjoy a training and development trip to Spain, where they will pit their wits against the top Spanish clubs in their age groups.

But where LaLiga are really looking to reinforce the work it does on the development of players is once the program is over, and after the winners have enjoyed their prize. The launch of the High Performance Centre in Dubai means that there will be continuity to the work carried out with these young players. With the support of the coaches, who will be selected by LaLiga, the winners will continue to hone their skills and will receive a further year's training towards their development and education as future footballers.

In attendance at the press conference held today in Dubai to mark the launch of the initiative were: Fernando Sanz, LaLiga Global Ambassador and Director General of LaLiga Director General in MENA and of International Projects, and Michel Salgado, LaLiga BBVA Ambassador and Director of 'du Football Champions'. The local authorities were represented by Ali Omar, Director of Sports at the Dubai Sports Council and Mouza Al Suwaidi, Chief of Engagement at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of the Government of Dubai.

Fernando Sanz declared that, "LaLiga is proud to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. With the tremendous outpouring of interest from the young people across the UAE for the 'du FC' School and the talent that is emerging locally, it is very apparent to us that it is exactly what the youth of the UAE were waiting for".

Michel Salgado commented that, "we're excited by the fantastic level of football we have seen and about the talents we have spotted. We look forward to seeing what the youth of Dubai have to offer. To be able to provide these kids with the opportunity to pursue a career in international football is a very exciting challenge indeed".

Ali Omar, in representation of the Dubai Sports Council, stressed that the High Performance Centre will, "get the most out of our young people's sporting talents and will open doors for them, both locally and internationally, as we work alongside a partner of the international prestige of LaLiga".

'du Football Champions'
'du Football Champions', in partnership with LaLiga, is the first youth football platform offering the best young talents from the UAE the chance to pursue a career as a professional footballer nationally and internationally, through a comprehensive scouting program led by LaLiga and by the Liga BBVA Ambassador, Michel Salgado.