Best Football Academy in UAE
Football Academy Abu Dhabi
Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Welcome to Elite Sports Football Academy in Abu Dhabi
Where passion for football meets the making of tomorrow’s legends. As Abu Dhabi’s leading football academy, our development programme creates a supportive, inspiring environment where players of all ages and abilities can learn, grow, and have fun. We believe the beautiful game is more than just sport—it’s a journey of growth, confidence, and self-discovery. That’s why our coaching sessions take a holistic approach to football education, blending technical skills, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and personal development. From our youngest players at 3 years old to aspiring professionals at 18, every session is designed to help them enjoy the game while maximising their potential.
Abu Dhabi's leading Football Academy
Holistic football training for ages 3 to 18
Nurseries (Exclusively for JINS, Step by Step & KFG Nurseries Only)
We bring our expertise to nurseries and pre-schools, delivering engaging sports coaching that supports all six areas of Early Years learning and development. Our well-rounded sessions focus on physical, personal, social, and creative growth—while boosting communication, language, literacy, problem-solving, reasoning, and understanding of the world. We help young stars take their first steps toward a lifetime of learning and active living.
Ages
2.5 – 4 years old
Mini Kickers Boys and Girls (30-minutes session)
Elite Sports Academy offers an inspiring environment where children as young as 3 begin their football journey. Our Mini Kickers programme goes beyond physical development—nurturing confidence, building relationships, and fostering teamwork to set the foundation for future success both on and off the pitch.
Ages
3 year old
Football Academy Boys and Girls
Partnering with schools, Elite Football Coaching delivers a complete development programme as part of the After School Activities (ASA/ECA) schedule. Catering to children from Foundation Stage to Year 6, our sessions ensure players train within their age category for maximum enjoyment and progress. With low coach-to-player ratios, we provide the perfect balance of one-on-one guidance and group interaction, giving each player the personalised attention they deserve.
Beyond school, our community sessions welcome children aged 4 to 14 of all abilities to learn and love the game in a fun, educational setting. Players train within their age group, ensuring a tailored experience that boosts skill and enjoyment. Every two weeks, they get to put their training into action in our Internal Academy League—bringing excitement, friendly competition, and a real sense of achievement to their football journey.
Ages
4-16 years old
Football Squads Boys and Girls
Our Squad Sessions are by invitation only, reserved for players who have mastered the technical skills needed to excel in football. Delivered in a focused group environment, our Development and Advanced Squads provide specialised training that hones tactical awareness and positional play—helping players understand their unique roles within the team dynamic.
With three training sessions each week and regular participation in competitive weekend leagues, our squads are designed to push performance, sharpen decision-making, and elevate every player’s game to the next level.
Ages
U6 – U18
Girls Only Sessions (Academy & Squads)
At Elite Football Academy, we are passionate about creating opportunities for girls of all abilities and experience levels to develop their football skills in a fun, supportive, and educational environment. Led by our dedicated girls’ football coaches, sessions are structured by age and ability to ensure every player can progress at their own pace while maximising development.
Our girls’ academy players also have the chance to progress into our Girls’ Squads—training to our elite squad syllabus and competing in the Girls Football League. As the exclusive provider of the Girls Football League in Abu Dhabi, we offer regular, competitive match experience that inspires confidence, builds teamwork, and strengthens each player’s love for the game.
From complete beginners to aspiring professionals, our tailor-made girls-only programme supports every stage of the journey in one of the UAE’s fastest-growing sports.
Ages
8 – 14 years old
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child will join our regular class for that session to gain valuable experience within the culture of Elite. Beyond this, your child would slot into the group (space permitting) that they had their trial session in.
- We accept children from 3 years of age within our Mini Kickers program and take up to 14 years of age in our Academy program.
- 3 years of age (30-minute session)
- 4 – 14 years of age (1-hour sessions)
- We also have our squad program for 5 – 18 years of age (3 x hours of sessions per week) – see below for further details
- Nursery – 30 mins
- Mini kickers (3 years of age) – 30 mins
- Community (4 – 14 years of age) – 60 mins
- Squads (5 – 18 years of age) – 3 x 60 mins per week
- We advise 1 or 2 sessions per week but attending 2 sessions per week will be more beneficial for your child’s progression.
- Our coaches continuously give feedback to all the players during / after sessions. We also welcome parents to come and watch the sessions and all coaches are willing to chat with parents regarding their child’s progression throughout the season.
- We plan to have the same coach for every session as we feel this is important for the child’s progress and continuity of sessions. If your child moves up a level, it may mean they have a different coach. Coaches may be subject to change due to a few circumstances including but not limited to, illness, personal leave & leave of absence.
- We select ‘ELITE’ coaches based on their experience, qualifications, and their ability to communicate with / inspire children. We want all children to LOVE their chosen sport, so we need the best coaches to impart their knowledge.
- All our coaches have international coaching certificates for their sport, in addition to First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications plus Police Clearance from the UAE and home country.
- Our coaches are from all over the world… wherever the most suitable candidates are we will find them! Please check ‘meet our coaches’
- Full Elite Sport football kit, comprising of football shirt, shorts & socks, in which it is mandatory to wear for all training session / matches.
We have several convenient locations throughout both Dubai & Abu Dhabi.
In Dubai our squad sessions take place at:
JESS Arabian Ranches
JESS Jumeirah School
Raffles World Academy
Regent International School
Victory Heights Primary School
In Abu Dhabi our squads train at:
Yas American Academy
Our squads have access to 3 weekly sessions including a weekly competitive games program.
All squads participate in the Academy Super league, located at Repton School Al Barsha, Dubai / Gems Founders Al Barsha, Dubai.
All squads in Dubai compete in the Academy Super League located at Repton School Al Barsha, Dubai / Gems Founders Al Barsha, Dubai.
Our Dubai Select squads additionally compete in the Youth Football League (YFL) at the Sevens Stadium in weekly fixtures.
All squads in Abu Dhabi compete in the Mubadala Youth League at Zayed Sports City, AD in weekly league fixtures.
In addition to the weekly competitive games program, we also compete in the Mina Cup, Abu Dhabi Cup and Mini Mina Cup tournaments.
Our senior squads (Under 18) also compete in senior football in Dubai in the EFA Cup competitions.
Our squads start from the Under 6 age group and compete up until Under 18. We have squads at Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16.
All squads train weekly and have a competitive games program in age specific leagues.
All sessions and league fixtures are designed for the specific age group.
Our squads have access to 3 weekly sessions including a weekly competitive games program. In addition to the training sessions, all squads have weekly external league fixtures via the Academy Super League, Mubadala Youth League, and Youth Football League.
Through our international partner, West Ham United Foundation, we have now travelled to London in the past two summers where our players have an intensive week of daily training with the West Ham United Academy & Foundation coaches, fixtures versus the West Ham Foundation performance squads.
Also included in the trip are live professional fixtures, previously watching West Ham United Vs Manchester City in the Premier League, and stadium tours, having visited Old Trafford, Etihad Stadium, and the London Stadium.
As well as the trip with West Ham, our squads have trips both locally and abroad to compete in tournaments.
Testimonials
Real reviews from parents and guardians
My son has been attending Elite Sports Academy since 2018 and I have nothing but praise for their organization, professionalism, and competence.
Lois Dela Rosa
Parent — Dubai
The coaches at this location are exceptional. They really focus on individual development while maintaining a fun environment.
Ahmed Al Mansouri
Parent — Abu Dhabi
Elite Sports Academy has been instrumental in developing my child's confidence and athletic abilities. Highly recommended!
Sarah Johnson
Parent — Dubai
The facilities are world-class and the variety of sports programs available is impressive. My kids love coming here.
Mohammed Hassan
Parent — Dubai
Professional coaching staff and excellent customer service. The booking system is very user-friendly.
Emma Williams
Parent — Dubai
