The fourth edition of the players media training programme organised by the UAE Pro League for first team and U-21 players kicked-off on Sunday.
The programme aims to raise awareness among players on the importance of media in its various forms in the life of athletes, and to equip them with the basic skills of dealing with media outlets.
The project is part of the UAEPL’s efforts to boost the culture of professionalism in all Arabian Gulf League stakeholders, in line with the 2017-2020 strategic plan in developing highly qualified professionals.
The programme started with a session with Al Dhafra followed by Al Jazira on Sunday, then Bani Yas and Al Wahda on Monday and continued with Al Ain players on Tuesday. The sessions will resume on Sunday, continuing to cover all professional clubs.
Sessions including theoretical lectures and practical applications are presented by media professional Lutfi Al Zoabi in addition to the UAEPL media and social communications team represented by Noura Aadel and Wael Jabir.
In this year’s edition of the programme, the UAEPL shed the light on new media, presenting a report which includes social media networks stats, the involvement of international players and how they benefit from their presence in digital platforms. It also touched on the guidelines of using social media as set out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in his description of the Emirati character on social media, the importance of active participation on social media and engaging with the fans, club and fellow players.
The players media training included training on how to conduct press and TV interviews, how to prepare for them and the art of responding to questions as well as how to maximise benefits from their media presence and other critical skills.
The first stage of the training programme saw huge interaction and active participation from the players across the involved clubs.
The UAEPL had won the AFC League Development Programme in 2017 for its pioneering “Players Media Training Programme” in its first edition.