PHILADELPHIA, PA (June 26, 2011) - The UAE Women’s Soccer Team concluded today its first three days of training at United Sports in Downingtown, PA, the official training home of the Philadelphia Independence, after arriving at the complex Monday afternoon. Independence head coach, Paul Riley, led the team in a variety of soccer drills, scrimmages and conditioning sessions.

“The UAE Women’s Soccer Team has some very good talent,” said Riley. “They seem to be thriving in our training environment, and their work ethic has been phenomenal. Working with players that are hungry to learn and eager to progress their game ensures the training environment is upbeat and competitive. Women’s soccer is progressing all over the world, and these ladies are proof of what can be achieved with patience and top level training. They are a fantastic group of young ladies, and they are ambitious to improve their game, both as individuals and as a team. The Independence training staff has enjoyed ourselves, and we hope we can help their mission to become better players.”

Before taking the field Monday for the first time on U.S. soil, Riley welcomed the squad and delegation officials in the Independence player lounge. He led a tour of the United Sports facility, and spoke with the UAE players about the history of the Independence franchise, Women’s Professional Soccer, and the day-to-day life of an Independence player. Following the introduction, the UAE players headed straight for the fields to begin practice, an anxiously awaited moment since they first landed Friday night in New York City.

“Since we have arrived here at the stadium, and even before, everybody has made us feel really welcome and made the girls feel at ease,” said Connie Selby, UAE Football National Coach. “Even the coaching staff, they’ve joined in, they’ve joked around with the girls. That helps with these girls. When they feel comfortable, they’ll give you 150 percent. You can see the girls out there enjoying themselves and having fun. They were trying to do different things. The little practices that Paul [Riley] put on were something different to what we’ve done at home. Even as a coach, for me, I learn from other people. I was really happy and I know the girls are pleased with what we did.”

UAE player, Hamda Abdullah, echoed her coach’s statements. She said, “Since the first day when we arrived, all of us were excited about the whole environment and the organization. The girls were keen on getting to the field and meeting Paul [Riley]. Most of what we did with him was new to us – new ideas. He was really patient. We were tired after the first session, but were so keen on starting the next one. We couldn’t wait. Our coach was amazed because the girls put in so much effort. They were inspired by the place [United Sports]. The atmosphere is what makes it,” Abdullah added.

These one-on-one training sessions with Riley and his coaching staff are just the beginning of a 21-day journey for the players and delegation. They will continue to practice at United Sports throughout the remainder of the visit, including observations and sessions with Independence players when they return from their scheduled World Cup break.

“United Sports is excited to have the opportunity to host a fine team from the UAE,” said Ted van Beuren, President and CEO of United Sports. “Given that we have had opportunities in the past to have national teams from the US, China and Brazil train at our facilities prior to World Cups, we look forward to welcoming their team to Philadelphia.”


More News:
June 26 - UAE Women's Soccer Delegation Arrives in New York City
June 14 - UAE Embassy in Washington, DC Organizes US Tour UAE Women's Soccer Team

About the Philadelphia Independence
The Philadelphia Independence is one of six teams playing in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league.  The Independence was the WPS Runner Up in 2010, the team’s inaugural season.  The other WPS teams are:  Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers, New York/New Jersey Sky Blue FC, magicJack, and Western New York Flash. Visit www.wpsphillyindependence.com for more information and order season tickets.

 

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