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Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, launched the first phase of its 'Football in the Community' initiative at a lunch and presentation ceremony in the presence of ex-England and Queens Park Rangers striker Les Ferdinand at the Gulf Air Club in Salmabad.
The event, which was attended by representatives from the Government Organisation for Youth and Sport (Goys) and QPR, is part of the airline's on-going commitment to the people of Bahrain.
The first phase of the initiative, which targets the youngest members of the community, was kicked off by Ferdinand with the presentation of coaching kits - containing training equipment worth more than BD200 - to representatives from over 20 local football clubs in Bahrain.
A five-day football coaching camp run by professional coaches from QPR will take place from Sunday to December 4 at the Gulf Air Club. It will provide local children the opportunity to improve their football skills with some of the UK's best coaches free of cost.
The camp will have five different sessions including one specifically for the Bahraini National Youth Development Team and the Bahraini girls national squad.
There is also an open community session on December 4 from 5pm to 8pm at the Gulf Air Club, which is open to any children between 11 and 13 years. Anyone interested in registering for this unique opportunity, can send an e-mail with details of the child's name and age, and contact number to qpr@gulfair.com.
Ferdinand, nicknamed Sir Les by football fans after receiving an MBE, said: "Football is a sport which has the power to bring people together and I am proud to be involved in a programme that will provide a fantastic opportunity for local kids as well as strengthening social and community links."
