Emirates NBD Sponsors UAE-Precor Under-16 team
Logos displayed proudly at summer international tournaments in Sweden and Denmark
The biggest banking organization in the Middle East, Emirates NBD signed an agreement to sponsor the UAE’s leading amateur under-16 football team, UAE Precor.
The team recently placed among the top 16 teams at one of the world’s largest youth soccer tournaments, the Dana Cup. The tournament features 850 teams from 45 countries and takes place every year in Hjorring, Denmark, from July 25th to 30th, 2011.
“These youngsters show outstanding drive and promise and we support excellence wherever we find it. Our sponsorship of UAE Precor reflects our belief in the team and in the international talents living in the UAE,” said Abdulelah Al Kindy, General Manager, Retail Banking, Emirates NBD.
“As an organization, we are also keen on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of our community. We believe supporting youth sport will pay dividends in the long run as these young talents cement the future of UAE football.”
Back home in the Emirates, in addition to winning all U16 local and regional tournaments that took place in 2010/2011 season, the team recently secured a third place in Division 3 of the Dubai Amateur Adults Football League (DAFL) playing against adult teams. The team reached the knock-out-round 32 at the recently concluded Gothia Cup when an administrative mistake barred them from competing further. In the Danish youth tournament, Dana Cup, the team made it to the top 16 teams after placing first in their group in the boys’ under-16 division.
The UAE Precor team consists of 22 footballers representing at least 14 different countries. The team is coached by Derek Burke with Tarek Khalifa as his assistant coach. Burke also manages the team and encourages and supports them in all their achievements.
Speaking about the sponsorship, Tarek Khalifa said, “In addition to other eminent corporate sponsors, Emirates NBD’s endorsement is yet another valuable feather in the cap of the UAE Precor team. This sponsorship inspires and invigorates the players and it shows in their game. We are proud to be associated with Emirates NBD.”
