With the year coming to an end, Frederic Kanoute’s KAFO Academy is now accepting registrations for its new term in January.

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And those signing up for the first time will not only receive a free training kit but a chance to take part in a free 30-minute shooting clinic with the former African Player of the Year.

The 37-year-old knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, picking up two UEFA Cups and Copa del Reys with Sevilla in a career that saw him play for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, Lyon and China’s Beijing Guoan.

Kanoute has seen his academy rise to one of the popular football coaching centres in Dubai since launching earlier this year. 

Designed for players aged between five and 15, the course is run over 10 weeks over three afternoons or evenings and provides the opportunity to represent the academy in competitive leagues and tournaments.

Each session lasts 90 minutes and children under the guidance of qualified coaches follow a particular curriculum where they can develop their passing, shooting and dribbling skills as well as dealing with ball manipulation and phases of play.

The academy just launched the KAFO Little Kicks, a new programme aimed for three to five-year-olds. The class runs from Saturday mornings from 09:15 to 10:00 at Nord Anglia International School (NAS), Hessa Street, Dubai. 

“It’s really important to keep the children happy and comfortable with the ball on their feet,” said Kanoute.

“We will start with small games and at this age (three to five) it’s important the children enjoy it. We will help them to get used to the ball, run with the ball  and shoot and pass, and help them learn the basic rules of the game.”

With Kanoute also involved in coaching the children, he and his team will ensure it’s a challenging, fun and positive learning experience for all.

Kanoute said: “We do 90 minute sessions because that gives a lot of time for the children to learn and play the game. We have a good structure in place and I can bring a lot. I have hands on experience and I really have a clear vision that I want to achieve at the academy. 

"The feedback from the children and parents has been positive and that brings a lot of confidence.”

Sessions are held at two venues; NAS and American University Sharjah.

The academy offers up to three 90 minute training sessions per week at each venue that equates to Dh100 per class (based on the 10 week programme). There is also a special 20 per cent discount for siblings.

What: KAFO Academy’s football training programmes
Where: Nord Anglia International School (NAS), Hessa Street, Dubai. American University Sharjah (AUS), University City, Sharjah.
When: NAS: Sunday to Tuesday (17:15 – 18:45) and Friday (09:30 – 11:00); KAFO Little Kicks; Saturday (09:15 – 10:00). AUS: Tuesday, Thursday (16:00 – 17:30) and Friday (09:30 – 11:00).
Contact: For more information or to sign up visit www.kafoacademy.com or www.facebook.com/kafoacademy