Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach gets ex-Premier League stars as football coaches

Four Seasons Dubai Jumeirah Beach is organising a kids' football academy, dubbed 'Football Escapes', with former English Premier League stars Rio Ferdinand and Eidur Gudjohnsen as private coaches. 

Open to footballing stars-in-the-making or youngsters starting from scratch, the football academy is set to take place October 16th to 20th and October 23rd to 27th, 2017, on the grass playing field by the resort's beach. Daily morning and afternoon sessions will offer two and a half hours of coaching covering all aspects of the game, including technical and tactical skills, decision making and small sided games. Parents, friends and family can enjoy refreshments while watching the sporting action.

Former England, West Ham and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand said: "It’s great to be joining 'Football Escapes' again and we’re looking forward to running coaching courses for kids at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach this October. I love getting away to Dubai and the resort looks incredible.”

In addition to the Football Academy itself, participants and their families will be able chat with Rio Ferdinand, Eidur Gudjohnsen and the UEFA licensed coaches from 'Football Escapes' throughout the two weeks. Daily sessions from Monday to Friday will be open to five to 15 year olds; the morning session will run from 9:00 to 10:30 am and the afternoon session from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

Enrollment for the football academy (excluding accommodation) is priced at AED 3,000 (approximately US$817) per child, per week, with each participant receiving a complete 'Football Escapes' kit, which includes a shirt, shorts and socks, plus a medal and certificate signed by Rio Ferdinand and Eidur Gudjohnsen on completion of the course.  Children may attend the first, second or both weeks of the football academy, with places limited to 40 children per week.