A few days remain until 2017 but IFA Sport have already lined up three new exciting football leagues with registration now open.
Their Veterans, Ladies and Mixed leagues kick off in the new year, meaning there’s plenty of reasons to join.
Since launching in 2004, IFA has become one of the best football academies in the UAE. Their adults leagues are also popular with more than 500 footballers taking to the field in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Their Veterans event is open for men aged 33 and above and is played on Tuesdays between 20:00 and 22:00 at Emirates English Speaking School, Jumeirah, Dubai, across 11 weeks.
For the women, their nine-week Ladies competition is for players 14 and above with matches on Wednesdays from 19:30 to 22:30 at Sunmarke School, JVT.
For those who want to play together, then there is also a Mixed event which will see players (16 and above) play over five weeks on Saturdays (19:00 to 22:00) at Emirates International School, The Meadows. It’s part of IFA’s vision allowing both genders to play as a team. “The IFA Leagues have been a great addition to the programme for us,” said Jessica Prelle at IFA Sport.
“We offer a very social but also competitive environment for men and women wanting to play matches in addition to training.
IFA’s Ladies league is the biggest in the UAE and looks set to grow again in 2017.
“The Vets league is our most established adults league aimed at men 33 plus who still want to play the game but in an environment with peers their own age bracket.
“Our women’s league is the largest in the region and the last time we held this, there were 10 teams in the previous edition. And we hope to attract even more teams this time around.”
“With our Mixed League, it’s a unique concept with specially created rules.
“This is to ensure there is fair team play between male and female participants. The teams will be formed of four women and three men. What started with a friendly tournament between friends has now become a great community.”
Whatever your ability, Prelle insists there’s every reason to join.
She added: “I’m delighted to play a role in this development and growing the sport in the region and this is a great starting path for players of all ages and levels to get involved. It’s a great way to keep fit and meet new people.”
Prices vary between Dh2,500 and Dh4,950 depending on the league, with many awards to be won, including Most Valuable Player and Golden Glove.
WHAT: IFA Sport’s new football leagues
WHERE: Various locations across Dubai
WHEN: Beginning January 2017
CONTACT: For more information or to register email jess@ifasport.com