Football Village inspires thousands in Abu Dhabi

Football Village inspires thousands in Abu Dhabi


Football Village, brought to you by Mubadala, has come to a close following eleven sensational days of football-themed events and activities on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. There were over thirty-five events held including the dazzling Etisalat ‘Match in the Sky’, freestylers and DJs and bands on the Flash Stage.

Visitors also enjoyed interactive graffiti and sand sculpting workshops, the Inter Village - organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and FC Internazionale Milano - that included specialty skills zones for aspiring players - and the centerpiece of the Football Village, the Mubadala Experience, that featured UAE FA coaches who shared their expertise and advice with football enthusiasts.

Held in the lead up to the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, the Football Village attracted nearly 186,000 people, all keen to be part of the action and excitement in the lead up to the much anticipated tournament, which will take place from 8-18 December 2010 at Zayed Sports City and Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Mohamed E. Al Mahmood, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Football Village has been a resounding success, exceeding all our expectations with such a large number of people from all across the Emirates, and of all ages and walks of life, taking part in the exciting programme on site. The Village has been a great place for visitors to come and experience all aspects of the beautiful game and to show their support in the lead-up to the tournament that will kick-off this week.

“We are particularly proud that our specialty areas within the Village, such as the Mubadala Experience and the Inter Village, have inspired so many people to take part in football activities. We hope that this encourages an ongoing involvement in sporting pursuits, and in doing so solidifies the lasting legacy in enhancing sporting appreciation, education and participation throughout Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

“As the Football Village now moves to both the Zayed Sports City and Mohammed Bin Zayed stadiums, we look forward to welcoming attendees of the tournament matches, who will be able to further enjoy the range of festivities and activities taking place.”

The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 tournament includes seven teams competing for the title World Club Champions. They include from the UAE and representing the host nation Al Wahda FC, Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma from South Korea, TP Mazembe from the Republic of Congo, Pachuca FC from Mexico, SC Internacional do Porto Alegre from Brazil, Papua New Guinea’s Hekari United and FC Internazionale Milano from Italy.

Tickets still remain for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010. This is the final chance for fans to see world-class clubs in action in the UAE, as the tournament will return to Japan in 2011-2012. Fans can buy their tickets through the link on the right or through the Call Centre on 800 FLASH (800 35274) or +971 4 366 22 88 for international purchase. For the first time in the UAE, barcode technology and e-tickets will be used for a sports event, making it easy for fans to choose, pay for and print their tickets.

In recognition of Visa’s valued sponsorship, FIFA prefers Visa.