The link will bring Stade Rennais F.C. youth coaches and scouts to Dubai for a one-day training camp featuring the 20 best NSL footballers this season from February 17-18.

During the camp, the coaches will select the top eight players for an all-expenses paid trip to Rennes from May 4-7, giving the youngsters a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In addition to the training camp with the Stade Rennais F.C. youth academy at the Henri Guerin Training Centre, the eight players will also be given a tour of the stadium and a meet-and-greet with players.

They’ll then take in world-class football by attending the Stade Rennais F.C. v Montpellier Ligue 1 match on Saturday, May 6.

Mikael Silvestre, chargé de mission of Stade Rennais F.C., saw first-hand the importance of the NSL and the level of talent on display in the tournament when he attended last season’s final.

During his playing days, the French star made 361 appearances over nine years with Manchester United and helped win five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Silvestre said of the partnership with the NSL: “We are delighted to be involved with the Emirates Islamic National School League. I was lucky enough to be at the final of last season’s competition and the talent that was showcased was a very high standard.

“A professionally-run grassroots competition like this for the UAE will go a long way in developing the local and expat standard of football in the region.

“Stade Rennais F.C. is excited to be giving the selected top players the once in a lifetime opportunity to fly to Rennes, France and train at our first-class facilities.”

Stade Rennais F.C. is a well-established club operating in the top tier of French football, Ligue 1.

They’ve developed a reputation for bringing through and improving young players, with big names such as Ousmane Dembele, Petr Cech and Asamoah Gyan passing through the programme.