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Four-time Premier League champions Manchester Thunder and UAE netball have announced an ambitious new plan to promote the sport among women in Abu Dhabi.
The opening of the Manchester Thunder Abu Dhabi Tennis Academy is expected to open up new avenues for women’s sports in the region, with champions planning to host free community workshops at Zayed Sports City from November 6 to 11.
“We are very excited about the launch of the first of its kind for girls,” said Talal Al Hashemi, Executive Director, Sports Development, Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“The Manchester Thunder Abu Dhabi Tennis Academy is open to all girls aged 3 to 19. Except for holiday camps, competitive matches, regional tournaments and overseas tours.
“These programmes will be run by highly qualified coaches from the Manchester Thunder who have extensive professional playing and coaching experience.”
On November 11, Zayed Sports City will host a free community workshop for all those who have registered. The program also includes open training sessions with Thunder technicians.
Dr Amna Al Maazmi, president of the UAE Netball Federation, said the establishment of the academy was a “wonderful opportunity” for both girls and the federation in Abu Dhabi.
“This is the first of many exciting opportunities we hope to bring to the region,” she said. “Attracting the Manchester Thunder to set up their first academy in Abu Dhabi outside the UK is a testament to our potential among the women’s community.
“We want as many girls as possible to enjoy the Manchester Thunder workshop and meet professional netball players for the first time and see them in action.”
While in Abu Dhabi, the Premier League champions will also have their pre-season training. Visiting will include Natalie Metcalf, captain of England’s Roses and Thunder teams and a Commonwealth Games gold medalist.
“This is an exciting opportunity to develop the game of netball across the UAE,” Manchester Thunder head coach Karen Gregg said of the project.
“We look forward to working with the Abu Dhabi community to bring more people into a sport that is especially popular with girls around the world.”
Greg said regular social and competitive matches with other emirates, as well as regional and international tours, are being planned.
“As a professional sport in the UK, we are always on the lookout for exceptional talent and will strive to develop elite performance into all the avenues netball can provide,” added Greg.
“We hope to see as many girls as possible at Zayed Sports City on November 11, to take part in trials and to have the opportunity to meet the Manchester Thunder first team who will be in pre-season training in Abu Dhabi.”
Updated: October 17, 2022 9:13 AM
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