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Amillafushi Festive Football Camp 2018 hosted by Tim Cahill, draws to a close

Ahmed Aiham
30 December 2018, MVT 18:09
Children of different ages took part in the interactive football training camp hosted by AmillaFushi and Australian footballer Tim Cahill. PHOTO: HAWWA AMANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION
Ahmed Aiham
30 December 2018, MVT 18:09

Australian national team's all-time top goalscorer and former Everton FC star, Tim Cahill, on Saturday concluded a four-day festive football camp at luxury holiday destination Amilla Fushi Resort.

Dubbed Amilla's Festive Football Camp, activities took place on the resort's own ground, situated amidst the 'island home's lush jungle.

Explore Amilla's Festive Football Camp 2018 with The Edition. VIDEO: HAWWA AMANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION

The training commenced on December 26 and concluded on 29th, with participants from local islands as well as among guests residing at the island. The resort provided free transportation to interested participants from Dharavandhoo School and Amilla's sister resort Finolhu, in Baa Atoll.

Open to all skill levels, the junior camp welcomed players aged 5-8, whilst the senior camp was open to 9-16 years of age. The camp focused on both teamwork and individual football skills.

Tim Cahill poses with local coach Ahmed Shareef (Dunga) after the day's festivities. PHOTO: HAWWA AMANY ABDULLA

"...Not only do we look after guests, we also look out for local talent and more importantly local coaches, who will be here when we're not here. I think that's the basis of what we want to do", said Cahill.

Cahill, currently studying for his UEFA coaching license, is passionate about sharing his footballing experience with the next generation, and alongside 'Foxtel Tim Cahill Academy', a free grassroots football training programme launched in Australia, provided an elite team of coaches for the football camp, including experienced Premier League coach Robbie Anderson and renowned local coach Ahmed Shareef (Dunga).

Local players pose for a photograph post-match with their local and foreign coaches. PHOTO: HAWWA AMANY ABDULLA / THE EDITION

Robbie Anderson has trained various legends such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham at Everton FC academy. Ahmed Shareef is the Head of Grassroots & Regional Development Officer at the Football Association of Maldives.

Additionally, under the guidance of these experienced coaches, various Amilla Fushi staff were trained under the programme to conduct football training and talent development initiatives.

Following the conclusion of the training camp, participants contested in a head-to-head match that went fairly one-sided, as the green team managed to secure a 6-2 victory against their white team counterparts.

Amilla Fushi's Resort Manager Jean Noel Sangaraille stated that the resort is planning to initiate more camps in the future, revealing a football camp scheduled for Easter 2019.

Cahill retired from the Australian national team on July 2018, having scored 50 goals in his 108 appearances for the 'Socceroos'. Cahill currently plays for Indian Super Leagues' Jamshedpur FC.

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