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Fernando Sanz and Hussein Mrad, CEO Inspiratus while announcing the launch of La Liga’s first football academy here. Image Credit: Courtesy: Organiser

Dubai: The UAE has been selected as the location for La Liga’s first football academy, set to open in September, it was announced on Tuesday.

The first in a line of planned worldwide academies from the Spanish league, will raise the bar on local youth development with a team of Uefa pro-certified La Liga coaches set to deliver the same training that has produced some of the world’s best players.

Those enrolled will also have the opportunity to be scouted to play overseas with scholarships at leading universities in Europe and the US where students can continue their higher education while carrying on with their football development.

Fernando Sanz, La Liga general director for the Middle East and North Africa and head of international sports projects said: “We are proud to launch LaLiga Academy and to establish the first academy worldwide right here in the UAE.

“At LaLiga Academy, youth from across the UAE will benefit from the best coaching from the strongest league in the world, while providing top talent with a clear pathway to pro football careers or to pursue football scholarships at top universities in Europe and the US LaLiga Academy is one more step in our commitment to football development in the UAE and across the region.”

The academy will be open to boys and girls, aged five to 16, from across the UAE. Training will take place throughout the year, with flexibility for parents to choose the number of days they wish their child to train a week. In addition there will be winter and summer camps for those who remain in the UAE during the holiday season.

For more information visit: www.laligaacademy.com