Manchester United Soccer Schools (Muss) has announced a major new signing in Dubai which will see hundreds of budding footballers learn to play the United way.

One of the most respected soccer schools in the world, Muss has been teaching football to UAE children at its home in Abu Dhabi since 2010, and now, the programme extends to Dubai after local partner Reem Investments signed an agreement with Repton School to host their programmes.

‘Combine to Attack’ kick starts on October 5 and will teach boys and girls aged 7 to 16 the specific skills and techniques of Manchester United’s first team greats - Paul Scholes, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick, a statement from the school said.

Children in Abu Dhabi will learn the same techniques displayed by the central midfield trio with their 10-week programme starting on September 29 at the Dome@Rawdhat.

Bambang Sugeng Bin Kajairi, CEO of Reem Investments, said: “It was always the plan to bring Muss to Dubai and after a fantastic start at the Dome@Rawdhat in Abu Dhabi, we’re excited about our new set up at Repton School. The popularity of the courses in the UAE capital continues to increase and we expect to see the same in Dubai where there is an insatiable appetite for the beautiful game.”

Andy Dixon, head coach at Muss Dubai, said: “The children will learn the same techniques displayed by Manchester United players and have the opportunity to develop these techniques in small sided game situations.”

“Everything we do at Muss relates back to the Club’s first team players. We believe that this is a very effective way of gaining understanding and getting positive results from the children.  

We also teach the children in a classroom setting the importance of adopting a balanced, healthy diet, encouraging them to make the correct food choices as part of their daily routines, especially before and after training.”

Jonathan Hughes-D’Aeth, headmaster of Repton School, said: “Hosting a world-class football programme is especially fitting for Repton School, where sport plays an important role in each child’s development.  We have state of the art sports facilities at Repton and the school places a lot of emphasis on physical activity as an important part of each pupil’s day.”

“There is a real buzz in the corridors about the arrival of one of the most popular football clubs in the world and we can’t wait to get involved in the programme.  I know a number of our pupils will be signing up and we’re looking forward to seeing the Muss family in Dubai grow.”

All children enrolled will take part in the Muss series of skills challenges with the top two point scorers from the UAE skills final receiving an all expenses paid trip to Manchester to represent the UAE in the World Skills Final at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground as well as the world famous Old Trafford stadium in 2013.

Featuring 12.5 hours of on-field coaching by certified Muss coaches, the first programme costs Dh1,650 ($451.09) and includes an exclusive Nike Manchester United training kit and giveaway pack as well as catch-up sessions and individual player evaluation.  

Special discounts are available to siblings, twice a week enrolments and those who sign up for more than one 10-week course. – TradeArabia News Service