Silverware for Spanish Soccer Schools has come in the Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12 leagues, marking its dominance in youth football tournaments across the country.

The first youth league of its kind in the UAE, the Private Academies League was formed in order to provide a competitive playing stage to private youth football academies in the region.

Also involved were the Double Kick Sports Academy, the Royal Football Academy Sharjah, Sport4All Academy UAE, the TFA Academy, Tigers Soccer Academy and the Pro Sports Academy, among others.

Two academies in association with Spanish Primera Liga clubs also feature in the league: FC Barcelona Escola Dubai and the RCD Espanyol Academy in the UAE.

“Three years ago, we’d just begun our journey towards transforming football in the UAE, and we’d never thought we’d reach such heights in such a short amount of time,” said former Real Madrid and Spain legend Michel Salgado who is director of football at Football Academy, Dubai Sports City.

“For us to be included in a pilot programme by the UAE Football Association which is geared towards developing sports in the region is a huge honour.

“The Emirates have invested plenty of resources towards the development of sports, and this next step shows that there is a very high level of inclusivity here for players from all walks of life.

“I would like to thank the UAE FA for their steps in this direction, and we cannot wait to be part of other youth development opportunities that they introduce.”