Dubai makes it mandatory for government clubs to appoint Emirati assistant coaches

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It is now mandatory for all government sports clubs in Dubai to appoint an Emirati assistant coach for their first teams.

The move is applicable for all team sports, starting with the current 2020-21 season.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has issued Decree No. 4 of 2020 in this regard.

He has directed all the clubs to start their recruitment process and provide the new coaches with the necessary tools and training.

The decree stipulates the terms and conditions for the implementation of the decision, which include: The trainer must be a citizen of UAE; should have obtained the minimum training qualification required for the job as prescribed by the governing association of that particular sport; and the person should be devoted to performing the work at the specified times for training.

The latest initiative is aimed at supporting and encouraging Emirati coaches, and helping develop their skills.

Dubai Sports Council's efforts to empower national coaches began several years ago with the decision to appoint Emiratis as assistant first-team coach in all Dubai football clubs and companies, in addition to appointing Emirati nationals to lead all the reserve teams at Dubai clubs.

Thanks to these initiatives, the number of Emirati coaches at Dubai clubs has seen a steady rise - 70 of the 130 coaches – or 54 per cent - working at the clubs are Emiratis.

Also, there are more than 10 Emiratis who have received their professional training licence (Pro Licence) from Dubai Sports Council-conducted programmes, and 7 of them are working with clubs outside Dubai and with different national teams.

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