Our Coaches

At Elite Sports Academy, our journey began in 2012 with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide the highest level of professional sports coaching for children in the UAE. Our goal has always been to offer every child the chance to learn and excel in their favorite sports, guided by our exceptional team of experienced and qualified coaches. Today, we are proud to serve over 3000 children each week, delivering on our commitment to quality sports education.

I have been coaching since I was 16 years old, which has provided me with opportunities to work in various countries such as the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, USA, Qatar, and now the UAE. Witnessing children develop their skills and experience the joy that sports bring is something I truly cherish.

Elite is a vibrant and multicultural organization that encompasses a dynamic business environment. Working alongside some of the finest coaches and support staff has been an absolute pleasure. The energy within the office and during sessions is contagious, creating an atmosphere that fosters growth and success. Witnessing the joy and talent development of the children during their sessions is truly rewarding. It’s a constant reminder of the positive impact we have on their lives and the fulfillment that comes from being a part of their journey.

Bringing joy and making a positive impact on the lives of children is an incredibly rewarding experience. As a coach, it is both an honor and a pleasure to guide and nurture their passion for sports. The opportunity to work with a multitude of talented children and their supportive parents adds to the enjoyment of the role. Each day is filled with fulfillment as we witness their growth, development, and shared enthusiasm for the sport we love.

My coaching journey started in the USA, where I pursued a soccer scholarship while studying at a university in Florida. Upon returning to my home country of England, I briefly worked in Leisure Management. However, my passion for football and coaching players led me to Elite Sports Academy when I relocated to Dubai in August 2014. Since then, I have been fortunate to continue pursuing my love for coaching in a dynamic and thriving environment.

Joining Elite Sports Academy was a stroke of luck for me, as it is widely regarded as one of the most professional and renowned football academies in the UAE. In my current position as Director of Operations, I have had the privilege of playing a significant role in the academy’s remarkable growth. We have expanded our operations by adding multiple venues and introducing new sports such as swimming, gymnastics, and basketball. As a result, we have become the largest sports academy in the UAE, a testament to our dedication and commitment to providing top-quality sports programs.

Joining Elite Sports Academy in the UAE has provided me with an incredible platform to deliver top-notch coaching sessions in a remarkable part of the world. After coaching in the UK, Dubai became the ideal next step in my coaching journey, and I haven’t had a moment of regret since. Elite is truly an exceptional academy, and our dedication behind the scenes is unparalleled. We tirelessly work on developing pathways, ensuring that children can experience extraordinary sessions led by the finest coaches. It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that goes above and beyond to deliver excellence to young athletes.

Coaching sports is a truly fulfilling career that has granted me the incredible opportunity to positively impact the lives of numerous children. Serving as a role model and mentor, I take pride in inspiring and nurturing young athletes as they develop in their chosen sports. It’s a privilege to contribute to their journey and help shape their future. Witnessing their growth and witnessing their passion flourish brings me immense satisfaction and fills me with pride.

I am a former South African national gymnast with over 19 years of experience in the sport. I am a USAG-qualified Artistic Gymnastics coach and judge, with extensive experience coaching competitive gymnasts and leading athletes to numerous international competitions. As a former international gymnast, I bring firsthand experience of high-level training, competition, and the dedication required to succeed in the sport.

My coaching approach focuses on developing strong, confident, and well-rounded athletes. I believe in creating a positive and disciplined training environment where gymnasts can develop their technical skills while building confidence, resilience, and a strong work ethic. I tailor my coaching to each athlete’s individual needs and goals.

With my background as both an elite athlete and experienced coach, I am passionate about helping gymnasts reach their full potential while maintaining a love and enjoyment for the sport.

Joining Elite Sports Academy has been a significant step forward in my coaching journey. The academy’s exceptional reputation for developing young players and delivering top-quality coaching sessions aligns perfectly with my passion for the game. Being part of a team that prioritizes player growth and fosters a love for football is an incredibly rewarding experience.

My coaching career began after playing at the semi-professional level in my home country. Working with youth players across various age groups, from toddlers to teenagers, helped me realize the profound impact a coach can have on a young athlete’s journey. This passion culminated in the proud moment of winning my first professional league title.

To enhance my knowledge and skills, I completed grassroots coaching certifications, a Level 1 license, and specialized goalkeeper coaching qualifications, recognizing the unique demands of the position. I also hold a degree in Sports Coaching, which has further shaped my approach to developing young players.

For me, coaching goes beyond teaching technical skills and tactical understanding. It’s about building confidence, instilling a lifelong love for the sport, and equipping players with valuable skills they can carry into every aspect of their lives. Seeing players grow, thrive, and enjoy the game makes every moment as a coach truly fulfilling.

I am a UEFA B Licensed Coach and BA (Hons) graduate in Football Coaching & Management, with extensive experience across professional club leadership, elite football, and youth development in the United States.

Approaching a decade of experience in the U.S. football landscape, I have served as a Club Director and USL Youth Academy Director, playing a key role in developing players and coaches while establishing high-performance environments that support both sporting and organisational growth. Under my leadership, the academy has become the largest club competing in the Academy competition in both 2025 and 2026, while also achieving the distinction of having the highest number of teams advance to the US Finals.

Alongside my academy leadership experience, I have worked within the elite men's and women's game as a First Team Assistant Coach and Club Director, contributing to both sporting and commercial objectives. This has provided me with a broad understanding of the demands of leading football programmes, from player and coach development through to performance, operations, strategy, and club growth.

I am passionate about player development, coach education, leadership, and building sustainable, high-performance football programmes. I am now excited to bring my combination of academic knowledge, professional experience, and practical leadership to Abu Dhabi, contributing to the development of the next generation of players and coaches while helping build ambitious and successful football environments.

I’m a UEFA B Qualified Football coach, and have a wide range of Multi Sports Experience, as well as holding a BSc Hons in Coach Education.

Since starting coaching at the age of 16, I have been fortunate enough to have worked and volunteered in a variety of different settings, including Grassroots, Centre of Excellences, Academy, Semi Professional and the Olympic Development Program environments in the UK, USA and now the UAE.

I have held an interest in coaching since an early age and embarked on my coaching qualification journey when I was able to do so. Since then I have undertaken qualifications including Talent Identification, Psychology, and Youth Centered Development all relevant to football.

Since joining Elite Sports Academy I have been primarily involved in the football program, working with all age groups in both the academy program and the squads program. I am proud to lead the girls squad program, helping to grow the girls game in Dubai, whilst developing our girls in the football program. Our girls will continue to thrive in an excellent environment, where mistakes are allowed to help them succeed on there footballing journey, and the development of the girls program was highlighted in February 2024 when our U12 Girls Squad won the Abu Dhabi Cup.

Joining Elite provided me with the opportunity to advance my coaching career at a new academy after living in the UAE for 2 years. At Elite, our mission is to provide an outstanding atmosphere where young athletes, regardless of their skill level or age, can progress, learn and find joy in their football journey. Being part of a group that focuses on player growth and cultivates a love for the sport is truly amazing.

Coaching holds a deep significance for me due to the meaningful impact we can have on young individuals, both on and off the field. It’s more than just imparting technical knowledge and strategic understanding, it’s about developing players self-assurance that lasts beyond their time on the field. Coaching offers a distinct opportunity to shape young lives, encourage social development, and provide skills that will be valuable throughout their lives. Observing their development and seeing them excel is truly rewarding for us as coaches.

I have been involved in football from a young age, playing in youth setups from 11 to 17 before signing a professional contract. I've been coaching for the past five years, starting with 1-to-1 coaching and youth academy sessions.

I then moved to Abu Dhabi, where I spent two years coaching players aged 3-18. This gave me the opportunity to work with players of different ages, abilities and backgrounds, which I really enjoyed. I'm now excited to start the next chapter with Elite Sports Academy. My coaching philosophy is to create sessions where players can have fun, feel included and develop their skills in a positive environment. I believe players learn best when they enjoy what they're doing and feel comfortable being themselves.

I also hold an HNC in Sports Coaching and Development.

After completing a 4-year soccer scholarship in Boston, MA and exploring various professional football opportunities, including being associated with Blackpool FC during their time in League One, I was presented with a remarkable opportunity to coach in Dubai, UAE, in both football and swimming. Given my background and experience in excelling at both sports, transitioning into coaching and passing on my passion to the next generation felt like the natural path to follow. I am thrilled to be able to share my knowledge and inspire young athletes in both football and swimming as they embark on their own sporting journeys.

I was introduced to Elite through a family member whose children were part of their football squads. After meeting with the directors, we discussed potential roles, and an exciting opportunity to relocate to Dubai emerged. During a holiday visit to Dubai, it became evident that the city offered an incredible lifestyle and excellent quality of life that perfectly aligned with what my partner and I were seeking. The prospect of sharing my passion, expertise, and experience with aspiring players in such a vibrant setting was truly appealing.

My goal is to create a positive and nurturing environment where players can not only develop their skills but also foster a genuine love for the sport. I believe in providing comprehensive education that extends beyond the field, equipping players with valuable life lessons that will serve them well in all aspects of their lives. Dubai provides the ideal backdrop for this journey, and I am thrilled to be part of the Elite team, making a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes.

Joining Elite marked an exciting milestone in my coaching career, allowing me to expand my prospects to a new country for the first time. At Elite, our goal is to provide an engaging environment where young players of all ages and abilities can develop, grow, and enjoy their football journey. It’s extremely gratifying to be part of a team that prioritises player development and focuses on the love and passion of the sport.

Coaching is deeply meaningful to me due to the significant impact it has on young people, both on and off the field. Although teaching technical skills and game strategies is highly important, building players’ confidence and helping them develop qualities that will serve them beyond the pitch is equally as significant. Coaching offers a unique chance to influence and impact young peoples lives, promoting social growth and equipping them with valuable life skills. Being able to watch them develop, evolve and succeed is an extremely fulfilling experience.

With a lifelong background in football , I began my journey as a footballer at the age of 4 and still actively play now. Since then, I have remained involved in the sport through coaching and working with footballers across all levels from grassroots to elite athletes. This experience has given me an excellent opportunity to nurture and create strong foundations of knowledge. My coaching philosophy is centred on creating a hardworking, positive, and competitive environment where my players feel confident, motivated, and excited to develop their ability.

I describe myself as a passionate, fun, energetic coach who believes that enjoyment plays a key role in progression and success. While technical developments and strength are essential components of football, I am equally passionate about developing footballers confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

Seeing my players grow in confidence, ability and overcoming difficult challenges throughout their journey at Elite Sports is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to support, nurture and inspire every footballer to reach their maximal potential whilst having fun.

Hi, I am Coach Harsh or known to players as Coach H. Former player now dedicatedly coaching for more than 11 years with extensive experience across all age groups.

Building my educational base in Portugal and Spain, I have spent 5 years in Senior football and 6 years in youth development building players and their personalities on and off the field a testament to that was winning the MINA CUP U12 in 2022 without conceding a goal with a playing style, player behavior highly commended by all peers and players. I have been with Elite sports KSA for 2 years making a shift to UAE to test out new environment and impact more players in the region which i am highly looking forward to!

A dedicated football coach at Elite Sports Academy, where we focus on nurturing both individual player skills and team dynamics. With a passion for growth and development, I am committed to advancing in my coaching career while maintaining a balanced personal life.

My coaching philosophy is centred on helping players develop their technical ability, tactical awareness, and overall confidence on the pitch. I believe that every athlete has unique strengths, and my role as a coach is to refine those skills while fostering a strong team mindset. By creating a structured and engaging training environment, I aim to inspire players to push their limits and continuously improve.

My goal is to contribute to Elite Sports’ ongoing success by fostering an environment that not only helps footballers reach their full potential but also ensures customer satisfaction and the continued growth of the academy.

Hi, you can call me coach Jenny, a gymnastics coach with over 10 years of international coaching experience in gymnastics and athlete development. I also come from a competitive background as a former national-level artistic gymnast and university scholar-athlete.

Throughout my coaching career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead gymnastics programs, manage coaches, work closely with schools and parents, and support both recreational and competitive athletes. My coaching focuses on building strong foundations, safe skill progression, confidence, discipline, and positive development.

I’m passionate about creating a supportive training environment where young athletes can enjoy gymnastics, grow in confidence, and continue developing their skills.

With over 14 years of coaching experience across both the UK and USA, I bring a diverse and well-rounded perspective to the game. As a UEFA B qualified coach, I understand that coaching goes far beyond match days—it's about the daily commitment to building a strong team culture, developing individual players, and fostering a high-performance environment.

I've been fortunate to work within a variety of footballing setups, each adding to my ability to connect with players of all levels and backgrounds. My coaching philosophy centres on growth, discipline, and continuous development—both on and off the pitch.

I’ve recently relocated to the UAE and joined Elite Sports Academy, and I’m excited to contribute my experience and passion to the team. I look forward to making a positive impact and being a valuable part of the academy’s continued success.”

Joining Elite allowed me to take my coaching career to a new country for the first time. At Elite, we strive to create the best environment for young players, regardless of their abilities and ages, to develop, learn, and enjoy their football journey. It’s a rewarding experience to be part of a team that prioritizes player development and fosters a love for the game.

Coaching holds a special place in my heart because of the profound impact we can make on young individuals, both on and off the field. It’s not just about teaching technical skills and game understanding; it’s about instilling confidence in players that extends far beyond their time on the pitch. Coaching offers a unique opportunity to shape young lives, fostering social growth and equipping them with skills that will benefit them throughout their journey. Witnessing their growth and seeing them thrive is truly fulfilling.

Working with Elite Sports Academy as the Head Basketball Coach is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic environment that prioritizes positivity, support, and collaboration—values that align with my coaching philosophy.

With 8 years of coaching experience, I am passionate about helping young players reach their full potential. My approach is centered on tailoring coaching techniques to each player’s unique strengths, needs, and learning styles, ensuring that every individual feels supported and empowered at every stage of their development. I strive to create an environment where athletes improve their skills, grow in confidence, and develop valuable life skills.

What truly motivates me as a coach is witnessing the growth and progress of my players, as well as their increasing joy for the game. Seeing them develop on the court and thrive in a positive and encouraging atmosphere is the most rewarding aspect of coaching for me.

I am a Level 3 FA Coach and UEFA qualified. I have coached at Northampton Town, Oxford United and Peterborough United, as well as spending some time coaching in the USA. I

am lucky enough to have worked with some brilliant coaches from Champions League and Premier League managers to top coaches within private academies. I have coached at all levels. Just love watching brave players enjoy the game and push themselves to be the best they can.

Whilst working for Elite Sports, I have found that they have a positive reputation amongst their employees and have a strong company culture. They provide me with opportunities for professional growth and development. They also have a strong commitment to my well-being and work-life balance. Overall, I feel valued as an employee of Elite Sports.

Being a coach means that I can share my professional and personal experience in the sport of swimming. It is a sport that allows you to practice self-discipline and a healthy sense of competition. I like to simplify my lessons to help students understand the skills, while keeping the lessons fun and interactive.

Working with Elite Sports Academy in Dubai has been an absolute pleasure. The level of support and expertise provided by the staff is unparalleled, and their genuine commitment to helping every athlete achieve their maximum potential is inspiring. Collaborating with highly skilled and experienced coaches has not only allowed me to enhance my coaching abilities but also contributed to my personal growth.

Football has been a lifelong passion for me, starting from an early age. I had the privilege of playing football at both academy and senior levels in Scotland, while also pursuing my studies in sports coaching and obtaining my UEFA B coaching license. Coaching individuals across various age groups and skill levels is something I thoroughly enjoy, as it allows me to contribute to their development in a meaningful way.

My primary objective as a coach is to nurture the growth of each player I work with. Whether it’s honing their technical skills, tactical understanding, or instilling confidence, my goal is to help them reach their full potential. Witnessing the progress and personal achievements of each individual brings me immense satisfaction and fuels my passion for coaching.

I’m a UEFA B Qualified Football coach, and have a wide range of Multi Sports Experience, as well as holding a BSc Hons in Sports Coaching and Development.

Since starting to coach at the age of 18, I have been fortunate enough to have worked and volunteered in a variety of different settings and variety of different age groups. I started coaching in Cyprus when I got injured, I was helping an Amateur league team Coach in training sessions and games. Then I moved to UK for my University degree where I worked as a coach in grassroot levels. After finishing my degree, I moved back to Cyprus where I continued to coach at a professional academy in various age groups. I then got the offer to coach in USA where I have been the past 2 years. Now I am excited to continue my coaching journey in UAE.

I have held an interest in coaching since an early age and embarked on my coaching qualification journey when I was 19. Since then, I wanted to understand more about all the roles, so I have undertaken qualifications in Refereeing, Sports psychology, Sports Nutrition, Talent Identification and scouting and Youth cantered development.

I am very delighted to be joining Elite Sports Academy and continuing my football coaching career. Looking forward to implementing all my knowledge and experience and keep learning and improving daily. Excited to get on the pitch and see the players enjoy playing the sport they love, learning and improving every session and chasing their goals.

I am an accomplished competitive swimmer with over 25 years of experience in the sport, beginning my swimming journey at the tender age of 4 with Al Ahly Sporting Club in Cairo, Egypt, where I quickly rose through the ranks, earning numerous accolades at both national and international levels. I am proud to boast a medal haul includeing 25 gold, silver, and bronze medals from Egypt & Cairo Championships, with significant victories at prestigious clubs like Al Ahly, Army Forces Club, and Heliolido Club. My dedication to swimming has seen me participate in over 45 competitions, showcasing his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Joining Elite has allowed me to expand my coaching career and make a significant impact on young swimmers in Dubai. I am passionate about creating a supportive environment where each swimmer can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy their journey in the sport.

In the last 7 years in Dubai, I have guided numerous young swimmers to success, helping them earn medals in various competitions. My energetic coaching style and deep understanding of the sport have made a significant impact on the swimming community in the region.

I have over 8 years experience of coaching here in UAE, and this is the story of when I first gained an interest in coaching when I initially started to help some of my friends and family members to learn how to swim. Swimming is not just a sport, but a life skill, with great importance in my home country, and here in the U.A.E.

I’m a certified and skilled Swimming Coach with advanced training in swim coaching and sports Leadership, and I have a proven track record of guiding athletes to excel personally and competitively in an environment conducive to learning and skill building.

I feel happy and have emotions that you can’t describe after seeing children learn to swim, and that’s how I knew this career path was an obvious choice for me.

Mert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management and brings a strong background as a former athlete. Having transitioned from playing to coaching, he leverages his firsthand experience on the court to identify athletes' strengths and areas for growth from within the system.

He has gained valuable experience working with Division 1 teams and well-established club academies in Turkey. Certified as a Level C Basketball Manager by the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF), he has also served as an Official TBF Statistician in official federation matches, bringing a sharp analytical edge to game analysis and player development.

Mert combines classic fundamentals with modern tactical methods. His philosophy centers on holistic athlete development, discipline, and blending time-tested techniques with modern concepts to help young players reach their full potential both on and off the court.

I started my coaching career by assisting coaches in my hometown of Kerala, India when I was young. I then went to the UK to obtain my coaching license, hoping it would lead to a full-time coaching job anywhere in the world.
Upon moving to the UAE and beginning my job search, my goal was to join the best academy in Dubai. After researching, I discovered that Elite is one of the biggest and best academies in the UAE. Fortunately, I secured a job there and am proud to be part of one of the finest academies in the UAE, with more than 10-year success story.
As a coach, my mission is to inspire children to fall in love with football. I strive to create an environment free from pressure where the attending children eagerly look forward to each and every training session with me. There’s truly no better feeling than hearing the children laugh, buzz, and say that you’re the best. Witnessing kids running around with smiles on their faces and knowing they enjoy my sessions is a truly rewarding moment.

I began swimming at the age of three and immediately fell in love with the sport. My passion led me to compete in numerous competitions and pursue a bachelor’s degree in physical education, specializing in swimming coaching. Along the way, I have completed multiple international coaching courses, the most recent being Swim England certification. This journey laid the foundation for my career as an inspiring coach dedicated to nurturing young swimmers.

With over 15 years of experience across leading schools, sports clubs, and academies in the UAE and Egypt, I develop swimmers from beginners to elite, performance-driven athletes. My coaching philosophy is elite, precise, and performance-driven, centred on technical excellence, efficient movement, and confident execution. I deliver structured, progressive sessions within a professional and safe environment, ensuring consistent improvement and long-term development.

Since joining Elite Sports Academy, my mission has been to use my experience to enhance and develop swimmers’ performance, build their confidence, and guide them towards competitive levels through a structured approach that combines disciplined training with fun and engaging play.

Elite Sports Academy is dedicated to developing young football talent, focusing on both training and personal growth. Their goal of shaping athletes who succeed both on and off the field perfectly aligns with my approach as a football coach.

Football has been my lifelong passion, significantly influencing my career. Starting at a young age, I developed a deep connection to the sport, both as a player and a coach. My coaching journey began in India, where I earned my football coaching certifications and worked with players from the grassroots level up to U18s. Today, I am proud to continue this mission at Elite Sports Academy.

My vision is to identify and cultivate exceptional young footballers while instilling core values such as fair play, discipline, and sportsmanship. I am committed to helping these athletes realize their full potential and grow into outstanding players and individuals.

Joining Elite Sports Academy has allowed me to continue my coaching journey in an extremely fun and welcoming environment. Here we focus on providing safe, engaging, fun environments for all levels of participation.

I have become a member of a well-presented professional organisation, bringing my years of playing and coaching experience to nurture, develop and grow the individual children, not just in a sporting capacity.

I am always excited to be a key part of a young persons development, installing confidence, supporting growth and developing character, and generally having fun!

Creating smiles, winners and happy times, leaves me feeling good about our work.