- Top international teams include Norwich City (England), Melbourne City (Australia), Rangers (Scotland), Corinthians (Brazil), and Columbus Crew (USA).
- 800 players across five age categories will compete in 120 matches at Jebel Ali fields.
Dubai is set to host the MENA Cup Youth Football Tournament, organized by CBF Performance with the support of Dubai Sports Council for the third consecutive year. The tournament will feature over 800 players representing 44 teams from 12 countries across six continents, including prominent clubs such as Norwich City (England), Melbourne City (Australia), Corinthians (Brazil), Columbus Crew (USA), Rangers (Scotland), and Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia). The matches will take place at Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club from April 9 to 14, 2024.
The details were announced at a press conference held at Dubai Sports Council headquarters, attended by Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, Director of Sports Talent Development at Dubai Sports Council; Chris Brown, Founder of MENA Cup; and Luke Plumb from Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club.
A Platform for Young Talent Development
Ahmed Salem Al Mahri emphasized the Council's commitment to supporting this prestigious event:
'Dubai Sports Council is pleased to continue its support for this major tournament and collaborate with CBF Performance. This competition represents a successful model of public-private partnerships aimed at promoting sports, attracting young talent, and nurturing future football stars. It aligns with our strategic goals of talent development and strengthening Dubai's position as a hub for global sporting events.'
He further highlighted the tournament's impact on youth development and sports tourism, stating:
'This event brings together top youth teams from around the world, with more than 800 players participating, alongside coaches, officials, and families, making a total of over 1,000 attendees. With 44 teams across five age categories (12–16 years) from six continents, including 22 teams from Europe, Africa, India, and the Americas competing against 22 teams from UAE academies, the tournament provides an excellent opportunity for young players to test their skills against diverse footballing styles and talents. Dubai Sports Council remains committed to ensuring the success of this event by providing the necessary support and resources.'
Strengthening the MENA Cup's Global Reputation
Chris Brown, Founder of the MENA Cup, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming edition:
'We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of youth football tournaments in the Middle East. The MENA Cup brings world-class football experiences to Dubai, uniting young talents from across the globe on one stage. This edition will be the best yet, and we are excited to welcome teams, players, and fans for an unforgettable tournament.'
For the first time in the tournament's history, a local ambassador has been appointed—Lucas Pimenta, Al Wahda defender and current UAE national team player. His involvement highlights the growing impact of the MENA Cup on local and regional football development. He will join Teddy Sheringham, the tournament's international ambassador since its inception, in mentoring and inspiring young players.
Jebel Ali Golf & Shooting Club: A Key Partner
Luke Plumb, representing the tournament's venue, added:
'We are delighted to host this prestigious event for the third consecutive year in partnership with Dubai Sports Council and the tournament organizers. We are committed to ensuring a world-class experience for all participants and fostering a competitive and inclusive environment that supports youth football development.'
2025 MENA Cup Group Draw
Following the press conference, the official draw for the 2025 MENA Cup took place, determining the groups for various age categories:
- Under-12: Empire FC (UAE), Scott (Kazakhstan), Fursan España (UAE), Rangers (Scotland), Elite London Academy (England) in Group A. Group B includes La Liga Abu Dhabi (UAE), Shabab Al Ahli (UAE), Norwich City (England), Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia), and Inglisia (Jordan).
- Under-13: Group A features Barcelona Academy (UAE), ARA FC (India), Manchester City Academy (UAE), Al Jazira (UAE), and Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia), while Group B includes Fursan España (UAE), Dubai Irish (UAE), Western United (Australia), Melbourne City (Australia), and Elite London Academy (England).
- Under-14: Group A consists of Reds Academy (UAE), Melbourne City (Australia), Empire (UAE), and Kavuy Celtic (Zambia). Group B features La Liga Dubai (UAE), Manchester City Academy (UAE), Cruisers (Northern Ireland), and Al Qadsiah (Saudi Arabia).
- Under-15: Group A includes La Liga Dubai (UAE), Corinthians (Brazil), Reds Academy (UAE), and Al Qadsiah 2 (Saudi Arabia). Group B features Barcelona Academy (UAE), Go-Pro Sports Academy (Sharjah), Al Qadsiah 1 (Saudi Arabia), and Columbus Crew (USA).
- Under-16: Group A consists of La Liga Dubai (UAE), Kavuy Celtic (Zambia), Al Jazira (UAE), and Fursan España (UAE), while Group B includes Ole FC (UAE), ARA FC (India), Al Nasr (UAE), and Manchester City Academy (UAE).
Global Access & Fan Engagement
This exciting event will be broadcast live on the MENA Cup YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action in real-time. The tournament venues will be open to the public free of charge, with various activities and events taking place alongside the matches to enhance the spectator experience.
Photo Captions:
- A snapshot from the press conference.
- Dubai Sports Council logo.
- MENA Cup tournament logo.
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