Newly formed Football Club Al Sahel of Ajman in United Arab Emirates has a link to the North East of England. Former Newcastle United, Manchester United and World Cup player David Mccreery has been working with his influential partners in the Gulf region to gain a licence for the club to compete in the Football League in the U.A.E.
The club licence was granted and Al Sahel Football Club was formed and will compete in the 2nd Division of Emirati Football. Mccreery will become Vice President of the club and will be joined by his partners Yahya Kirdi and Salah Bashir. President of the club, Gulf Businessman Kirdi who is a former UNICEF ambassador, previously had an interest in acquiring Liverpool FC and has club ownership experience within Europe, whilst Salah Bashir a famous ex professional player in the Emirates will become Director.
“Our goal is rise through the leagues and compete in the top tier of Emirati Football within 4 years. We have sourced top quality facilities and are currently looking to recruit our players and staff ahead of the season starting. I will be instilling a professional mindset throughout the club from top to bottom and pass on the knowledge I have gained within the industry over 45 years”
David Mccreery said.
Mccreery, who played in two World Cup tournaments is looking to engage the community of Ajman to join him in the project. “It is important to us that we build a strong academy at the club and we will look to partner with my network of clubs throughout Europe to assist. We want to develop young Emirati players and supply a pathway to our first team. We have also been approached to develop a womens program which will be a great addition to the brand we are looking to create. ”
“This is certainly a niche project and one that could also benefit North East business due to the plethora of established business contacts Mccreery has accumulated in the Gulf. “ The club will also be a bridge for businesses who wish to export products / services to the Gulf. In time we want to reach out to North East businesses and provide cultural education and introductions to the high profiles contacts we have. Already we have introduced an Oil and Gas company and a lighting company to Royal Family members in Sharjah and business is ongoing.”
Al Sahel inaugural season should begin in October pending Covid 19 regulations, and it is a certainty that a number of expat Newcastle United fans will make the journey to watch Mccreerys team in action. The coincidence is they also play in black and white!
You can follow Al Sahel FC on Twitter @alsahelfc + Instagram @alsahelfootballclub