Sport

Come and get us!

January 28 - February 3, 2009
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Gulf Weekly Come and get us!

Gulf Weekly Mai Al Khatib-Camille
By Mai Al Khatib-Camille

Football pitches across the kingdom are being filled with young hopefuls just itching to get snatched up by the Arsenal Soccer School.

'Come and get us!' - that's the message from the young football enthusiasts after the London Premiership team announced its plans to open an academy in Bahrain.

The children are thrilled with the idea of the new soccer academy and are already preparing to impress the scouts.

Arsenal supporter Lester Silveira, 15, a Sacred Heart student, from Gudaibiya, said: "I am so happy with their decision to open a school in Bahrain. I want to join so badly and hopefully get a chance to be a part of the Arsenal family.

"The great thing about Arsenal is that they always give youngsters a chance and now the youth in Bahrain have an amazing opportunity ahead of them- we are the next generation after all.

"I usually play everyday at school and with my friends on Thursdays in Juffair. When they show up, I am going to be ready for them!"

Pal and schoolmate Yohahn Ribiro, 14, from Adliya, is also an Arsenal fan and is eagerly awaiting the club's arrival.

He said: "I am really excited about the school and I hope I can join. I really hope that the fees aren't too expensive.

Once Yohahn learned that the school would sponsor some talented youngsters who couldn't afford to join, his jaw dropped and he said: "Really...Cool! In that case come and get me Arsenal!"

However, the Fabregas fans aren't the only ones gunning for glory as other team supporters are also excited to be a part of the professional institution.

Abdul Rahman Adel, 13, another Sacred Heart student, from Hamad Town, said: "Although I support Real Madrid and Inter Milan, I think it will be a great opportunity for me to join the Arsenal School in order to improve my skills and gain some professional insight.

"I hope they notice my talent and sign me up."

Liverpool supporter Faris Al Gabani, 15, from A'ali said: "I have been playing football ever since I could walk really. I am a member of the European Football Academy and now I hope to join the Arsenal Soccer School.

"Even though I support Liverpool, that doesn't mean I can't join. I love football and all I care about really is getting the chance to play and better myself."

Striker Abdulla Ali Abdulla Sabah, 17, from Isa Town, said: "Although I have participated in different football clubs in Bahrain such as the Muharraq Club and Isa Town Club, I now have my sights set on the Arsenal School.

"I want to gain more experience and maybe then Arsenal will see my abilities and take me on. I am aiming to be the next Fabregas so look out!"

As reported in last week's GulfWeekly, the school will bring professional soccer coaching and facilities to children of all nationalities living in the kingdom, encouraging and teaching the youngsters to 'Play the Arsenal Way'.

It will be located adjacent to the Bahrain Football Association, next to the National Stadium and within close proximity to many secondary schools and will open by August.

The school will boast two Fifa-approved Astroturf pitches, a large retail store, supporters' club, a clubhouse and cafe. This facility will be part of an ongoing community initiative to develop the sport at the grassroots level in Bahrain.

Paul Shipwright, head of Arsenal Soccer School, said: "On previous visits to Bahrain, we have seen the passion for soccer with a huge number of local pitches in villages and at the side of the major highways."

The school's coaching programme will be open to boys, girls and young adults between the ages of five and 18.

Membership of the school is likely to be between BD50 and BD70 a month and sponsorship will be made available to selected children from low-income families.







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