Football-fever is set to hit the emirate of Abu Dhabi in February when World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 winner Marcel Desailly makes his debut at the Chelsea Soccer Schools which will take place at Zayed Sports City in the capital city and also, for the first time, Al Ain.

The French legend will be joined by former Chelsea team mate and ex-England international Graeme Le Saux and women’s World Cup winning star, Lorrie Fair, as well as members of Chelsea’s youth academy coaching staff.

Hosted by Etihad Airways, the official airline and platinum sponsor of English premier league side Chelsea Football Club, the soccer schools will run at Al Ain Football Club on 10 February and in Abu Dhabi from 11-14 February.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ executive vice president marketing and product, said: “To bring a World Cup and European Championship winner such as Marcel to Abu Dhabi will certainly create a buzz for the Chelsea Soccer Schools and build on the success of last years event.

“During the event more than 500 school children will have access to the former players as well as the coaches from Chelsea and I’m sure it will be a huge success for football in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. We are thrilled also to include a day in Al Ain during the visit of the football legends.

” Mohammed Al Mahmoud, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “This is a great sporting initiative for Abu Dhabi. At Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we are committed to grass roots sport and thank Etihad Airways, Chelsea Football Club and all the event partners for leading the way with the Middle East's leading youth football programme here in Abu Dhabi.”

Etihad, lead sponsor of London-based rugby club Harlequins, hosted a junior rugby festival in Abu Dhabi last October which included training sessions for children and a junior tournament. The airline has also launched its “my first golf lesson” programme in the emirate to tie-in with its sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Notes: Children aged between seven and 14 can enter a competition to attend the Chelsea Soccer Schools.

Click here to view the video of the Chelsea soccer schools.