Emirates partners the Arsenal Soccer School to hold a master class with Mikael Silvestre

Emirates has partnered with the Arsenal Soccer School in Dubai to enable pupils to shoot for the stars after being given a coaching master class by Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre.

The French international made a surprise visit to Emirates 7he Sevens at the Arsenal Soccer School Dubai during the first week of term to sign autographs and help out with the training drills. The 32-year-old gave advice to the aspiring footballers aiming to follow in his footsteps and play in the English Premier League, and he sees no reason why this can't happen. He said: "This is great for the development of football in the UAE and a tremendous opportunity for the children who live here.

"The aim of the school is to give kids the chance to learn how to 'Play the Arsenal Way', the flowing, visionary style of football which is the hallmark of Arsene Wenger. The boss is world-renowned for his ability to nurture young talent and the coaching will be based on the same principles that he teaches us in the first team.

"With this platform, there is every chance that a kid from this school could become the first player from the Middle East to become an English Premier League star."

One pupil who is already on her way to the Premier League is Nina Zammit Moore. The five-year-old, from Malta, and her father Jonathan won a trip to the Emirates Stadium to see her heroes play Chelsea on November 29, courtesy of the Emirates and Orbit Showtime competition.

Runner-up in the competition was nine-year-old Daniel Clamens, who won a free place on the school's second term, which gets under way on 4 January.

Limited places are still available for the first 10-week term, with the choice of one or two sessions a week. Each session is between 60 to 75 minutes in duration. The school is open to boys and girls, with classes available in both Arabic and English. More than 1000 children - aged between five and 18 - will be trained each year. The first 10-week term kicked off on 5 October.

In addition to the children based in the UAE, Emirates will be opening up the opportunity to youngsters from around the world. With non-stop flights to Dubai provided by Emirates from six continents, parents will have the chance to relax while their kids enjoy coaching classes at a magnificent training facility.

Arsenal has been operating soccer schools within the UK and globally for more than 20 years and around 40,000 children have already learned to Play the Arsenal Way

About Emirates:
Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, is one of the world's most successful and rapidly-expanding airlines. With a focus on high quality service and industry-leading products, Emirates Airlines has received more than 400 international awards and accolades for excellence since its inception in 1985. Emirates is currently the only airline to operate non-stop flights to six continents from one hub.

In 2004, Emirates and Arsenal signed the biggest club sponsorship in English football history. In addition to the Fly Emirates logo on the players' shirts, Emirates also has naming rights of Arsenal's home, Emirates Stadium. Elsewhere, the airline sponsors Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, Hamburger SV, AC Milan and Olympiacos FC. It is also the Official Sponsor and Airline of BEC Tero Sasana from Thailand.

Emirates' affinity with football continues as it is an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup and Official Airline and Partner of the Asian Football Confederation. The airline is also heavily involved in rugby, cricket, golf, horseracing, sailing and tennis.

Emirates Media Contact
Matt Howard
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