Reem Investments, a privately-held real estate investments firm, has signed up with Manchester United Soccer Schools (Muss) to run its training programmes exclusively in the UAE for two years.

Under the terms of the agreement, Muss will run its programmes from September 1 and Reem will have the option to expand the programme into the GCC.

The school will be headquartered at the Dome@Rawdhat on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi.  The Dome@Rawdhat is a soccer facility, which is the home of the UAE’s first air-supported indoor soccer pitch as well as outdoor pitches. 

The Dome@Rawdhat will be the home of the Muss programmes for children between 8 to 16 years from all over the UAE.

Separate programmes for girls will also be conducted within the privacy of the indoor Dome facility. Accredited and certified Muss coaches from the UK will employ techniques similar to those used by Manchester United’s first team players to support the development of all the participants.

The Muss curriculum is also aimed at developing the social skills applicable both on and off the field and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

“We are extremely pleased that Muss has chosen Abu Dhabi to be the hub for UAE and the GCC,” said Abdulhamid Saeed, managing director of Reem Investments.

“Since October, 2009, the Dome@Rawdhat has been abuzz with more than 50,000 footballers from all ages and backgrounds. Manchester United is one of the world’s best known football teams and we are delighted that Muss has recognized the Dome@Rawdhat as an ideal location for its training programme.”

“Muss programmes will reach out to the masses both in terms of nurturing younger players in soccer skills and techniques as well as developing overall fitness. Muss’s presence at the dome will further enhance and create a vibrant sporting community in Rawdhat on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi,” he added.

David Seales, general manager of Manchester United Merchandising Limited said: “Manchester United has a fantastic following in the Middle East and this exciting new project will provide high quality coaching programmes for thousands of aspiring footballers in the coming years.” – TradeArabia News Service