Manchester City is running football clinics for girls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The English Premier League club is back for a third year with its global campaign called Same Goals, which is aimed at inspiring the next generation of female football players.
And as part of the initiative a series of special events are being held around the world, including some girls-only football clinics in Dubai and in the capital on Friday February 7 and Saturday February 8.
But that’s not all, football-mad females are being encouraged to post videos on social media of themselves scoring goals – or saving them, if being a goalie is more their thing – using the hashtag #SameGoals.
And by demonstrating their ball skills and sharing the evidence on Twitter, Instagram or TikTok, talented players will be rewarded with a limited edition football courtesy of PUMA.
The deadline for entry is 11.59pm on Sunday March 15 2020, and kids under 13 will need permission from their legal guardian to post the videos.
The UAE sessions will be held with City Football coaches on Friday 7 February from 8.30am to 10.30am at Brighton College in Dubai.
The Abu Dhabi clinics will take place on Saturday 8 February from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Zayed Sports City.
The classes are aimed at girls aged six and above.
Manchester City and England striker Ellen White said: “Having an opportunity like Same Goals is something that I could have only dreamt of when I was younger and with an initiative like this, hopefully we’ll be able to make a difference and inspire as many youngsters as possible to achieve their dreams both on home soil and around the world.”
Here are five clubs where your little soccerette can learn to play football.
Alliance Football Club
90-minute sessions teach girls all the skills they need to master their ball skills and take place on Monday evenings at Sunmarke School in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Triangle. Plus little female footballers can sign up to a free trial session.
From Dhs1,600 per term. www.alliancefootballclub.com (056 393 0007).
Girls Football Academy
The coaches are a group of ex-pro players from the UK and sessions run at Dubai English Speaking School (DESC) on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at various times for different age groups.
www.girlsfootballdubai.com (050 284 5061).
IFA Sport
Girls aged between four and 14 can learn to play the great game with lessons structured around several themes including stay on the ball, control possession and win the ball.
www.ifasport.com (04 454 1683).
Soccer Kids Dubai
These girls only hour-long sessions take place over the weekend at Dubai British School and in Safa Park and are split into various age groups.
www.soccerkidsdubai.com (055 207 3168).
UAE City Football Schools
Aimed at girls between five and 16, the City Football coaches aim to improve their football skills, stay healthy, make friends and have heaps of fun.
www.uae.cityfootballschools.com (Abu Dhabi 056 420 5685), (Dubai 056 538 9501).
