du LaLiga HPC beat Malaga to end Spain tour in style
- 03 Sep 2019
du LaLiga High Performance Centre (HPC) rounded off their fourth annual scouting camp in Spain by netting a victory against top LaLiga youth club Malaga CF.
Proving their might, du LaLiga HPC U-15 team exploited every gap in Malaga’s defense. Putting into practice their last few weeks of intensive training and match experiences against LaLiga teams in Spain, the team came together with a strong spirit, demonstrating both strategy and tactical superiority.
The du LaLiga HPC team featured Emirati national club players from Abu Dhabi and Dubai clubs, as part of the group of 16 who joined the Scouting Camp in Spain this year, under partnership agreements with Dubai Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Sports Council to power up UAE football.
Despite Malaga CF’s patient game, du LaLiga HPC took possession of the ball through the match with an attacking play on wings and went for every opportunity for shots on goal
In the first half, Rabee Al Balooshi, who plays for Al Wasl Club, scored two brilliant goals. In the second half, Mulham Humaidan converted a cutback from his team member down the wing to score a third goal. Khaled Al Hassani, who plays for Al Ain Club, marauded through the left wing and dribbled past the goalkeeper, finishing into the empty net. Mulham capped it off with a delightful volley, scoring the sixth and final goal, adding the cherry on top of what was a dominant display. The match ended with a 6-0 win for du LaLiga HPC.
Throughout all 9 competitive matches played across the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age categories, LaLiga scouts from top clubs including Atletico, Malaga, Celta Vigo, Real Betis and Cadiz were on the lookout for talented players to invite for trials. They were very impressed especially with some of the U-16 and U-17 players and final decisions on trials will need to wait a few weeks.
Commenting on the du LaLiga HPC Camp and performance, Abdulwahed Juma, Executive Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications, du said: “Our mission has always been to produce world-class football talent right here from the UAE. This year, having the UAE’s finest young players join the du LaLiga HPC Scouting Camp through our partnership with the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Sports Councils, takes our mission to the next level. It reflects our commitment to develop a pipeline of professional players from the UAE able to compete at the highest levels in the world’s most important tournaments.”
Commenting on the performance of the teams, Maite Ventura, Managing Director - La Liga, Mena, said, “We are proud of the du LaLiga HPC programme and camp, which is now entering its 5th year. We are especially proud that this year the finest young national club players joined the camp, as part of our partnership with the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Sports Councils to empower Emirati youth to compete at international levels, equipped with the highest football standards.”
Ventura continued: “We have established the du LaLiga High Performance Centre to provide young talent with a solid foundation to develop and get scouted into top clubs, including LaLiga. With their strong performance in Spain this summer, I look forward to hearing some positive news about professional trials soon.”
Top du LaLiga HPC players who are invited for trials at LaLiga clubs will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, which may lead to contract awards once they are 18 years old.
The fourth annual du LaLiga HPC trip witnessed the largest team of athletes to date with 50 players between the ages of 14 and 16, and representing the top players selected by LaLiga scouts from across the four corners of the UAE.
In preparation for this trip, the UAE national players selected to join the du LaLiga Scouting Camp, hailing from Al Jazira, Baniyas, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, Al Nasr, Al Wasl, Shabab Al Ahli and Hatta clubs, underwent intensive training at du LaLiga HPC, at the hands of LaLiga UEFA-Pro certified coaches.
du LaLiga HPC has established a reputation for excellence since its establishment, winning the UAE National League Champions for three consecutive years. It is today home to 150 high potential talent, hand-picked from across the nation and has become a scouting ground for national and regional clubs and national teams.
