Former Reds skipper Gary Neville retired from football three months ago but couldn’t resist the temptation to pull on his bo…

Former Reds skipper Gary Neville retired from football three months ago but couldn’t resist the temptation to pull on his boots once more to take part in Manchester United Soccer Schools sessions in the UAE last weekend.

Soccer Schools have been based at Dome@Rawdhat, Abu Dhabi, since October 2010 and over 750 youngsters, aged 7-16 years, have taken part in coaching sessions to date. Last weekend Neville paid a visit in his capacity as a club ambassador to spread the message of playing football ‘the United way’ and was impressed by the MUSS set up.  
“The facility in Abu Dhabi is absolutely fantastic – it’s a credit to United’s name,” said Gary. “Young players taking part in the Soccer Schools programmes are taught in the same way that United players like myself, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes were taught.
“I did a little bit of a session with the kids, spoke to the coaches and understood what it is that they’re doing over there. The work that the coaches are doing is brilliant.

“Apart from the football coaching, they are also given help to develop other life skills which are important both on and off the field, and shown how to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Manchester United Soccer Schools run a number of courses from the UAE base, placing great importance on football development but also on enjoyment of the game. It’s a message that has been taken all around the world by MUSS over the past decade.”

The former Reds defender has played 602 games for United, scoring 7 goals, and got to travel all over the world representing the Reds. He’s fully aware of the appeal of the world’s most famous club, and impressed with the excellent work of Soccer Schools at home in the UK and abroad.

“In recent months I’ve spent time in both Lisbon and Abu Dhabi with Manchester United Soccer Schools and you obviously get to see the excellent work that they do. The kids absolutely love it. I’m aware of the impact that Manchester United has all around the world, but you can never cease to be amazed at how children from opposite ends of the world seem to become engulfed by the club. They are so happy when they’re wearing the club badge on their shirt – it’s great to see their passion.”

Gary Neville visits MUSS in Abu Dhabi

9TH MAY 2011

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