SILVESTRE IS HEAD BOY AT ARSENAL SOCCER SCHOOLS DUBAI
Mikael Silvestre showcases his skills to pupils at the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai
Mikael Silvestre and head coach Gareth Hamilton run a training drill with pupils at the Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai
Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre gives expert advice to pupils at the newly opened Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai
Nina Zammit Moore, with her mother Geraldine – the winner of the Emirates-Orbit Showtime prize of a dream trip to London to see Arsenal play Chelsea – is presented with her ticket by Mikael Silvestre
DUBAI, U.A.E., 10th October 2009 – Pupils at Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai are shooting for the stars after being given a coaching master class by Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre.
The French international made a surprise visit to 7he Sevens during the first week of term to sign autographs and help out with the training drills.
The 32-year-old gave advice to the aspiring footballers aiming to follow in his footsteps and play in the English Premier League.
And he sees no reason why this can’t happen.
He said: "This is great for the development of football in the UAE and a tremendous opportunity for the children who live here.
"The aim of the school is to give kids the chance to learn how to ‘Play the Arsenal Way’, the flowing, visionary style of football which is the hallmark of Arsene Wenger. "The boss is world-renowned for his ability to nurture young talent and the coaching will be based on the same principles that he teaches us in the first team.
"With this platform, there is every chance that a kid from this school could become the first player from the Middle East to become an English Premier League star.”
One pupil who is already on her way to the Premier League is Nina Zammit Moore. The five-year-old, from Malta, and her mother Geraldine won a dream trip to the Emirates to see her heroes play Chelsea on November 29.
Runner-up in the Emirates and Orbit Showtime competition was nine-year-old Daniel Clamens, who won a free place on the school’s second term, which gets under way on January 4.
Limited places are still available for the first term, with each 10-week term costing Dhs 1,500 for one session per week, with fees of Dhs 2,500 for two sessions a week. Each session is between 60 to 75 minutes in duration.
