Dubai, UAE, October 22, 2017:  They might not be the real thing, but two local namesakes of Spanish giants Barcelona and Madrid matched the goal-scoring feats of the originals, launching their campaign in the seven-a-side football tournament of the Positive Soul community sports initiative with big wins.

Barcelona were dominant as they defeated Lootah 6-1 at Muhaisnah Park, while Madrid blanked Al Ittihad 4-0 on the opening weekend of the second stage of the Positive Soul initiative, which was launched by Dubai Police in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council in May.

Gulf Heroes defeated Muhaisnah 3-2 and Al Khawaneej shared points with Al Ansar following a 3-3 draw in the day’s other matches. 

The first stage of the programme was held in Mirdiff from May 29 to September 15, while the second stage is being held in Muhaisnah 2, with football, basketball, volleyball and taekwondo competitions, among others, being staged.

The third stage will take place in Barsha 1 from December 1 to February 28, while Al Quoz Industrial Area One will host the fourth and final stage of the initiative between March 1 and May 31, 2018.

The pioneering “Positive Soul” initiative is being held under the umbrella of the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Community Sports Programme. The goal of the Initiative is to boost the values of tolerance, co-existence and dialogue among all individuals in the community, and rejecting all forms of extremism, violence, intolerance and discrimination.

Dubai Government entities like Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Department of Health Authority (DHA), Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), Dubai Knowledge, Al Ameen Service, Dubai Media Inc, The Permanent Committee Of Labour Affairs in Dubai and Arabian Radio Network (ARN) are participating in the initiative.