Footballers now have a new place to have a kickabout in the capital with Abu Dhabi Cricket’s brand new five-a-side football pitches.

The eight astroturf and floodlit pitches were opened last week next to Zayed Cricket Stadium as part of ADC’s vision in promoting a healthy lifestyle for residents.

They are just the latest in a series of improved facilities which includes two new FIFA-approved floodlit grass football pitches, 40 per cent expansion of the Zayed Cricket Academy and LED floodlighting on the facilities cricket ovals, increasing community cricket capacity by 30 per cent.

These exciting new developments will be open to friends and families, bringing together Abu Dhabi’s wider public and allowing them to get fit in a fun and exciting environment at an affordable price.

In a bid to get as many people involved ADC will also stage several five-a-side tournaments for women, men, boys and girls.

Aref Al Awani, general secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are thrilled to build new world-class facilities in Abu Dhabi with a view to increasing sports participation here in the emirate.

“Projects such as these are key to ensuring that the entire Abu Dhabi community is able to participate in year-round sports offerings.”

The pitches will be open daily from 09:00 until 23:00 with an hour slot costing Dh300.

With football booming in the UAE, the opening of the new facility is welcomed by Houriya Al Taheri, head coach of the UAE women’s side.

“”It is fantastic to have access to these new facilities in Abu Dhabi – the 5-a-side courts will nicely compliment the training sessions we intend to hold on the FIFA standard pitches,” said Al Taheri.

“It’s a really exciting time, even more so now that our ladies will not only have access to these world-class facilities but that they’ll be able to train whenever they wish.

“So we’re grateful for the support that both Abu Dhabi Cricket and Abu Dhabi Sports Council have shown to women’s football.”

Matthew Boucher, CEO of ADC, added: “Initiatives such as these will remain a priority for Abu Dhabi Cricket and will continue to form part of our long-term strategy as we target audiences from outside of our core cricketing fan base.

“Being a multi-sport facility will enable us to become one of the premier community hubs in Abu Dhabi.”

What: Five-a-side football

Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket, next to Zayed Cricket Stadium

When: On-going

Contact: For more information, email soccercity@abudhabicricket.ae