An exciting line-up of action and entertainment is set to dazzle fans just weeks before the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, the most anticipated club football tournament in the world, opens in Abu Dhabi.

A long list of football-themed activities, along with acrobats, freestylers, bands, DJs and  open-air football movies, plus live screenings of Premier League matches at the Football Village, brought by Mubadala, will provide a stunning array of fun and entertainment ahead of Abu Dhabi’s showpiece tournament next month, said a statement.
 
Mohamed E Al Mahmood, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the Football Village will be a great place for football enthusiasts to fine tune their skills while the general public can enjoy the stunning line-up of entertainment planned ahead of tournament kick-off.

“There will be many opportunities for young football fans to take part in skills activities to improve their football techniques at the Mubadala Experience and the Inter Village,” he said.

“Overall the Football Village has something for everyone, from the gifted footballer to adults and children who just want to have some fun and spend a night watching the live Premier League matches. 

“We want everyone to come down and experience the fun as Abu Dhabi prepares to welcome the club champions. “We’re also asking everyone to get behind these clubs and purchase their tickets early.”

As part of the exciting line-up scheduled to appear at the Football Village, the incredible heart-stopping bungee football, to be known as the ‘Etisalat Match in the Sky’, will hit the UAE shores for the first time.

The ‘Etisalat Match in the Sky’ is a 16-metre giant vertical structure on which a team of six purposely trained football acrobats go through their paces, whilst harnessed to a specially designed abseiling wiring rig.  The ‘air football’ will take place three-times a day to entertain spectators and will be one of the main attractions at the Football Village from November 25 to December 4.
 
Organisers believe the Football Village, located conveniently at the East Plaza, Abu Dhabi Corniche, will be the hottest entertainment spot in the country in the lead-up to the tournament starting on December 8. It will then move to the two stadiums - Zayed Sports City and Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

John Lickrish, general manager of the Local Organising Committee, said there was something for everyone at this year’s Football Village.

“In keeping with our commitment to engaging the entire community, we have developed an entertainment programme that will appeal to people from all demographics,” he said.

Kate Triggs, executive director, Mubadala Group Communications, said: “In addition to offering a range of football activities and a dedicated supporters zone, the Mubadala Experience at the Football Village will provide aspiring players an opportunity to develop their skills by taking part in football clinics run by UAE national team coaches.

“Encouraging young people and the wider community to lead more healthy and active lifestyles is really important to us, so I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

Also expected to attract a lot of football fans will be The Inter Village, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and FC Internazionale Milano – this year’s European representatives at the tournament. A host of activities will be available on site, including kick-point and keeper games, while young footy fans will be able to show off their skills on the mini pitches provided. -TradeArabia News Service