Seven-a-side football gets off to a flying start

Action from a seven-a-side football match.

 As part of the 5th 'Dubai Government Entities' Sports Tournament, the seven-a-side football competition has been launched on Monday, January 11, a Press release said.
"Dubai Government Entities' Sports Tournament is annually organised by Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
The fifth edition of the tournament, which got under way on January 10, would end on May 8.
The seven-a-side football competition got underway with six matches in U-37 category.
Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Courts and Dubai Police stole the limelight in the first round of the group stage. Adel Al Bannai, manager of Social Activities Sec. in DSC and head of the tournament, said: "Teams came up with great performances, thanks to the proper preparations and intensive training sessions before the launch of the competition."   
In the first round of the group stage in the U-37 category, Dubai Police beat Dubai Airports Corporation 7-0 and RTA overcame Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center 3-1.
In the third match, Dubai Customs defeated Emirates Flight 4-2. Dubai Courts were too strong for Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Foundation (11-0) in another match.
DEWA defeated Dubai Refreshments Co. 4-0, while Dubai Civil Defense won against HH The Ruler's Court by an impressive 15-1 margin.
Mohammed Ahmed, head of Dubai Police team, stated: "We are pleased to participate in the competition for the fifth successive time. We enjoy overcoming challenges via determination and hard work. The change of the competition's rules and regulations prohibit us to recruit professional players. However our team is still strong enough to win the title."  
Faisal Al Zarouni, head of the Sports Committee in Dubai Courts, appreciated the organisers of the tournament.
"The Organising Committee is successfully arranging the current edition of the tournament. Dubai Police Officers Club's pitch is a great place to host the matches.
Dubai Courts team has many talented players and we are hopeful of qualifying for the final stage," he said.