EU shows its support for football
The academy may be French in origin, but the EFF in many ways represents the diversity of the UAE and the EU with its young players—some as young as 4 years old— hailing from 22 different nationalities and different walks of life.
“We are happy to show our support for great initiatives that promote team spirit and a healthy lifestyle,” said H.E. Patrizio Fondi, the EU Ambassador to the UAE.
“The players will be wearing T-shirts with the EU logo as they compete against other teams, bringing the EU and its values of unity in diversity to the game fields,” said Mr Fondi.
“We are proud of EFF’s young players and wish them great success.”
Founded in 1999, with just 30 to 40 teenagers, the EFF which is a non-profit entity, running on volunteer basis, has now more than 250 to 280 players competing in both national and international tournaments.
“It is a great honour for the players to carry the EU logo with them into the games,” said EFF Ambassador Jorvan Vieira.
“This partnership showcases how the EU participates in different ways, not just political and economical, it also supports youth and sports,” said Mr Vieira who had quit medical school to follow his passion of football.
“The EU is known around the world as an entity of unity, and working hand in hand, and achieving peace and stability, and that is what football does, it promotes peace and unity,” says Mr Vieira, whose career in football spans 40 years, coaching 22 clubs and 6 national teams. He has won many tournaments and has many achievements, including coaching the Iraqi national team that led them to win the 2007 Asia Championship.
"During the two weeks of competition, it was the least violent time in Iraq, as people focused on football," he said. "Sports like football helps promote peace and unity."
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The President of EFF Christophe Martin who had introduced "babies" group of player, under the age of 6 as well as a girls team, believes in the importance of breaking new grounds.
"This partnership with the EU is very important," said Mr Martin. "The EU and EFF share the same values of unity in diversity, where we are focused on a unified goal and work together."
"Football is a universal language," he said, who is a big fan of retired French footballer Zinedine Zidane.
As for EFF, Mr Martin the teams had a good season.
"This season, we had very good results with a title of champion in the Abu Dhabi Youth League for the U16 (Under), a second place for the U14, a place in semi-final for the U12, a second place in The du UAE Football Association Academy League (du UAE FAAL) for the U18 and the ascent in first division of Duplays league for the seniors," he says, adding: "The creation of a U21 category, in partnership with the University Paris Sorbonne, which will join the seniors in the Duplays league. All other categories being aligned in the Abu Dhabi Youth League."
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Maria Khater, who is 16 years old and a member of the 25 EFF girls team, had actually first joined the EFF when she was just 9 years old.
"At the time I used to go every week to watch my brother play and cheer him on. But year by year, I started to grow fond of the sport and wanted to participate in it and not just be a spectator; so I followed in my brother’s footsteps," she said. "Today, EFF is not just my team/club, it’s my family; that is why I love it."
Khater, who is French Lebanese, hopes to one day study medicine, and become a physiotherapist to pursue a career related to sports. She is excited that the EU logo will be present next to her club's logo.
"The mixed community forming the EFF, truly represents the values and morals of the European Union and we are honored to bear the flag of such an influential union," she said.
Iheb Dammak, 17 years old and from Tunisia, is one of EFF's longest players, playing for them since 2005. He says he loves EFF like a second family.
"I like this club because I have been always treated very well and football is my hobby since my childhood. I have made lots of friends there and I now consider EFF as my family."
One of proudest moments is scoring a goal for his team against Stuttgart team in a tournament in 2013.
"That day I scored my first official goal and it was a header that led to the title, our first title. I am still feel very proud of this day."
As for wearing the EU logo as he plays, he said: "It is a great honour and a great reminder of the importance of team work."
For more information on the EFF, please check: https://effabudhabi.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EcoleFrancaiseDeFoot/?fref=ts