The second edition of the Sony Dubai Schools’ Football League finals held at Sheikh Rashid School for Boys saw some lively and energetic action as children from primary schools played a series of league-style matches to vie for the tournament championships.

Dubai, January 2009: The second edition of the Sony Dubai Schools’ Football League finals held at Sheikh Rashid School for Boys saw some lively and energetic action as children from primary schools played a series of league-style matches to vie for the tournament championships.

Continuing the spirit of Sony's global sponsorship of FIFA events, the Sony Dubai Schools' Football League 2008 brought together primary school children from Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 from 22 schools from all over Dubai.  Starting in November 2008, 88 matches were played between schools in the league phase which culminated in the grand finals for Year 3 and Year 4 held on the 14^th of January and Year 5 and Year 6 held on the 18^th of January 2009.

“Football teaches team work, discipline and strategy adding to the overall development of the child and this is what we want to foster in the younger generation through the Sony Football League. I’ve been following the league very closely and was delighted to see all this demonstrated on the playing field by children. As Sony, it gives us a sense of fulfilment to be able to provide the children this platform to showcase their football skills”, said Pius Parackal, Director, Human Resources and External Relations of Sony Gulf.

Dubai English Speaking School and GEMS Wellington International School won the Champions trophy for the Year 5 and Year 6 respectively. Jumeirah English Speaking School and Jebel Ali Primary School won the Champions Trophy for the Year 3 and Year 4 respectively. Individual medals for winners and runners-up were presented including awards for the top goal scorer of the tournament and player of the tournament.

Rob Ingham of Royal Dubai School said, “The children’s excitement had started much before the tournament, whilst preparing for it and it has been a great experience for them throughout. The Sony league has brought together boys from different schools’ and you can see the competitive spirit all around you which makes football even at this grass-root level very meaningful.”

Notes to the Editor:

Sony – FIFA Agreement:

Sony’s agreement with FIFA makes it a "FIFA Partner", the highest level of sponsorship status accorded to only six companies. Sony has been chosen to partner FIFA in its "Digital Life" category (covering a wide variety of business activities from entertainment to electronics), and will engage in an array of global marketing and advertising activities at more than 40 FIFA events, including the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.