12 October 2009, UAE – Four children or “Little Champions” from the UAE will live their dreams of marching onto the football pitch, hand-in-hand with some of the world’s top players at the upcoming UEFA Champions League – the most important tournament in European club football.

MasterCard, official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, in association with Standard Chartered, is offering each of the four children the `priceless’ experience of being part of the march-in entourage for one among several selected matches at the UEFA Champions League 2009/2010.

The “Little Champions” from the UAE will join 41 others from Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia—all aged between seven and nine—to be the first in Asia and the Middle East to escort world-class football players at the UEFA Champions League matches.

To participate in the campaign, Standard Chartered MasterCard credit card holders need to register at www.standardchartered.ae/littlechampions from 1 to 31 October 2009, inclusive, and charge a minimum of AED 3000 in the same month to any Standard Chartered MasterCard credit card. For all cardholders who have spent more than AED 3000 in October, the top four with the highest number of transactions within the campaign period will win this once-in-a–lifetime opportunity.

The campaign will be held in two phases to select four children in total from the UAE. This kicks off with two children who will win a trip to Italy to participate as “Little Champions” at the group stage match between AC Milan and Marseilles which will be held on 25 November 2009. Airfares will be courtesy of Standard Chartered Bank, and hotel stay and the UEFA Champions League tickets for both the child and accompanying adult will be courtesy of MasterCard.

Subsequently, two children from the UAE will be selected for the knockout round that will be held in March 2010.

Chris de Bruin Head of Consumer Banking UAE, Standard Chartered Bank, said:
“The UEFA Champions League is an unmatched sporting event that is watched and celebrated by billions across the world. We are delighted to work with MasterCard to help our customers and their loved ones to realise their dreams and aspirations in life and provide them the unique opportunity to be at the heart of the match, witnessed and cheered by billions around the world.”

Eyad Al-Kourdi, vice president and country manager, Southern Gulf countries – Oman, Qatar and UAE, MasterCard Worldwide, said:
“The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious club trophies in European football, and is followed by both young and old soccer fans in the region. This joint program with Standard Chartered demonstrates our shared commitment to providing our cardholders with priceless experiences. Soccer is a great sport that teaches the young about team-work and sportsmanship. As a proud supporter of soccer and sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, we look forward to offering these children an unforgettable experience.”
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