I might be biased in my view that Football can solve almost all world problems, but I am certain that one bug it can squash easily - Bullying. It is a global issue that, goes beyond school or home and as kids spend more time alone they need a social support system - like a tribe that shares the same goals (literally). Bullying can have a long-lasting impression on a young mind - from players who struggle to achieve excellence to those who try hard to adapt to the stress that comes with the limelight I have seen bullying dampen the spark. But football is a sport that levels the field, all la ..read more

A few years ago I saw a little boy fall face-first on the pitch, before he dusted himself running happily to his team I noticed a moment of surprise - after 3 years of childproofed life he had discovered gravity. Football is a great sport for all ages but I feel that it should be compulsory for kids below 6 years that are bombarded with video games, children’s programs, and learning apps on all their devices and cushioned room. The overwhelming nature of the virtual world keeps them hypnotized and they don’t experience running, tackling, hand-eye coordination, and developing motor skills th ..read more

EPC, the club a place where talent and dedication thrive in a supportive ecosystem, will always be close to my heart. As I connect and collaborate across agencies, I pause to introspect what it takes to create a GOOD club. Talented Players, Dedicated Coaches, World-class support systems, structure, sponsors, and managers all make the cut, but for me, the vision and philosophy differentiate it. As we evolve ourselves into a professional club, we grow on the philosophy to develop young men as we nurture their ambition and their dream and help them map out their careers. The difference betwe ..read more

Every coach tries to find the formula that can transform a player into a professional athlete, in my decade-long experience I learned that often the key was hidden in the athlete’s own mind and as a coach, my job was to unlock their source of motivation and confidence. From players who have now signed professional clubs to toddlers who kick for the first time - the most evident differentiating factor is not always their talent and skill but their psychology. That’s why at TFA every team works with our in-house psychologist, Venessa - who pays personal attention to resolving mental barriers ..read more

Mind-body balance Football is an exhilarating sport and as a spectator, the highs and lows entertain us, as players and coaches it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach at all times. The most important tip would be to keep your balance, winning a match should not get you too excited and losing one should not keep you defeated for long. Especially for young players, it is difficult to be on the field without letting emotion affect them but detachment is key. I practice meditation, especially before a big match or a crucial session. I like to center my thoughts and feel peaceful before t ..read more

Loss is a big part of the game, no matter how good you are, no matter how much you practiced. As a coach and a player, the most important aspect of the event is the learning, if you can introspect the game and watch it as a lesson you have emerged as a winner. Whether it's a tactical error, a strategic miscalculation, an interpersonal tussle, or just plain bad luck - a defeat makes us more conducive to accepting feedback. Football is a great teacher and teaching doesn't happen when we raise the trophies but also when we stand on the side and clap for our competitors. Learning to accept defe ..read more

What are the common factors in the successful student-athletes I have coached and guided? They were all skilled and dedicated but their commitment becomes a reality due to ONE (highly-underrated) factor and that is their ability to manage their time efficiently. The pressure of performance in studies and field can be stressful for anyone, but the additional demands placed on student-athletes can lead to severe consequences on well-being, motivation, and perseverance because even as teenagers - they basically have 2 full-time jobs. As coaches and parents, it is vital to imbibe the culture o ..read more

The recent Liverpool vs Machester game was a real tear-jerker. Waking up to the updates I was baffled, they fell short by one point, they almost had the championship, and then it dawns upon me - do we cheer for a jersey or the game of football? How we process setbacks is how we get better, how the GAME is elevated. Just like life, greatness in football is not achieved by an endless winning streak, it's the setbacks that change the course of our journey - often for the best. The first thing you do is that you clap for those who won - always! Then you look at your game, your strategy, and yo ..read more

Dubai with its exceptional sporting infrastructure and tourism facilities has attracted a number of European football teams and players. We have seen the city become a great pool of talent for the sport and as we work hard to pre-season, hopefully, we will soon enter division 3. We are talking to partners across Asia, Africa, and Europe we feel pride in inviting players and scouts to the emirate. Their ambition and talent get a welcome that supports their efforts as a player or a coach because Dubai offers the opportunity, like a great location to live, learn and elevate your game. This is a ..read more

Nothing hurts a player more than sitting out of a game due to an injury. While every professional coach and player takes responsibility to prevent them, how you deal with them is vital to be able to play football consistently. The key to handling injuries, impact and muscular, is largely assessing injuries. Dubai's impressive medical infrastructure leads to quick scans and tests but the first few minutes are crucial to a player's well-being. As a coach, I have always told players to report every muscular tightness or pain and STOP PLAYING so that the injury can be assessed and attended to ..read more