Two Of The UAE's Largest Local Sport Supporters, IFA Sport And Sport360°, Form Alliance

Online, April 12, 2011 (Newswire.com) - IFA Sport announced today that they have entered into an alliance with Sport360° to provide highlights, interviews and exposure to the events organised by IFA Sport. They will also collaborate to run major events in the region promoting healthy living through participation in sports.

Both IFA Sport and Sport360° have similar goals in promoting sport and fitness and their new association will further participation and raise awareness of sports opportunities in the UAE.
The partnership will provide a unique platform for cross promotional opportunities for IFA Sport and Sport360°, plus ancillary activities on-site at IFA Sports events.

"We have been looking to acquire the right media partner for some time," says IFA Sport Commercial Director, Jim Reilly, "and we felt that Sport360° is a company dedicated to supporting and promoting sport in the UAE and has the perfect mix of professional, international coverage coupled with in depth local reporting. We wanted the local support for our children's academies, as well as for our youth and adult leagues," he continues.

Recent studies conducted by the Ministry of Health found that 20% of the population and 18% of children are obese in the UAE. These findings prove that the issue of obesity is growing at an alarming rate and that there is an urgent need for intervention and education. One of IFA Sport's main goals is to enable more children and adults to be active to prevent obesity- a goal supported by Sport360°.

"We are thrilled to be an official media partner for IFA Sport," says Ibrahim Nasser, Marketing Manager of Sport360°, "Sport360°'s support for this country's sporting excellence and the advancement of local sports men and women runs very deep indeed, so we feel this partnership is a natural fit. We also want to encourage adults and youngsters to take an active part in sports rather than just spectate and the partnership with IFA Sport is the perfect medium for this," he finishes.

The first major event from the two companies to promote active lifestyles is scheduled to take place in October this year.

About Sport360°

Sport360° is a daily sports newspaper which offers, for the first time ever, comprehensive sports coverage in the United Arab Emirates with standards of excellence on par with the aspirations of the nation. It is published by Gulf Sports Media, an Abu Dhabi based media company which also produces their website, www.sport360.com
Sport360°'s goal is to be an effective tool in helping the United Arab Emirates achieve its ambition of becoming an international sports hub, by providing a unique platform through which organizers will have a dedicated communication channel with their core audience, and by enhancing the communication between the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the sporting world.
Having forged strategic partnerships with some of the leading sport media companies from around the globe, Sport360° offers in-depth coverage, stunning photography, innovative design, professional analysis and compelling reporting by renowned regional and international columnists, making it a must-have for all sport enthusiasts.

About IFA Sport

Established 6 years ago, IFA Sport is the largest football coaching academy in the UAE. It coaches more children in more places than any other football academy in the region. IFA's philosophy is 'Sport for All', meaning the Academy is inclusive rather than exclusive. All children between the ages of 4 to 16 irrespective of gender, age, background or ability are welcome at IFA.

IFA operates in over 20 locations throughout the UAE and has a vision to help more kids get more out of football. The Academy has 25 male and female coaches who, between them, can speak English, Arabic & French. All head coaches hold a minimum of the English FA level 2 coaching certificate and Emergency First Aid qualification. IFA have also recently launched Tag Rugby for kids in the region with 3 weekly sessions and run fun, fit and active camps over Easter and summer periods.

IFA currently has over 2,000 participants attending coaching sessions and junior leagues on a weekly basis across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. It also has over 400 players competing weekly in the Premier Youth League which was established by IFA in 2009. IFA also runs adult leagues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi which have over 500 participants and holds an active database of over 3,700 members.

For more information please visit www.ifasport.com