We ensure that our dedicated coaches will personally handle and coach every child that trains in our programmes. We understand that every child has talent & potential, our objective is to nurture that talent to achieve their potential.
Richard
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.
Steve
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.
Craig
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.
Matt
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.
Conor
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.
Bryan
I chose to work with Elite Sports Academy because when I was looking to move over from the UK to Dubai, I heard a lot of great things about Elite. I believe Elite is different from many of the other Academies in Dubai because of the care and attention we take in all aspects of our role, including session planning, session delivery, equipment quality, league & tournament planning.
When I retired from playing professional football, I felt the natural pathway for me was to go into coaching and share my football experience with the younger generation.
Jordan
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.
Robbie
I pursued a career in football coaching due to my extensive experience in playing and coaching. Having been involved in professional football since a young age and having coached for several years, including three years at Elite, I am equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. Coaching provides me with the opportunity to work in football full-time and engage with children from diverse backgrounds. The most rewarding aspect of coaching for me is not only developing these players’ football skills, but also shaping them into well-rounded individuals. Seeing them grow as both footballers and good young people is truly fulfilling and serves as my primary motivation for coaching.
Lewis
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.
Keziah
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.
Uros
I am thrilled to be part of the Academy, as Basketball Manager for the UAE. Having played at a professional level in my home country, I take great pride in passing my knowledge & expertise on to the children that I coach.
With the Basketball Academy only launching in April 2023, whilst still in its relative infancy, we are proud to offer playing opportunities to children from nursery age, up to squad level, and I am excited to continue to grow the Academy, with new venues and partnerships as we continue to move forward.
Emanuel
Running the Abu Dhabi branch of the Academy, Emanuel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company, and we are delighted to have him in the team.
Passionate, diligent and well loved by his players in the capital, Emanuel is leading the Abu Dhabi team forward as we continue to establish ourselves as one of the leading academies in the Emirate.
Paul
I chose Elite to work for as it’s a fun and dynamic company, who continues to grow and develop, and its exciting to be part of it. Elite is the best sports company to work for because the coaches are professional, passionate, dedicated and the children are great.
Coaching is something I feel very passionate about and believe there is a sport for every child, and it is our job to find it and enhance their love for it. Each session, each day is different, and I get to make an impact on young people’s lives. Being one of the older coaches I love the game and passing on my skills and experience and to see them improve fills me with pride. I hope to make the children as passionate about football as I am. And hope they continue playing, watching or even coaching for a long time. Best of all I get to do what I love as a living.
Tom
I’m so grateful to be working for Elite Sports Academy, the best football academy in Dubai, and the fact it’s based out here in Dubai, the best city in the world, makes it all the more enjoyable to work for Elite.
Elite provided me with an excellent opportunity to coach here in Dubai, and the journey so far has been fantastic. Every coach is brilliant, and I have learnt so much from them all, and the venues we coach at are outstanding. There are opportunities to progress quickly and take on more responsibility, which is exciting. Social events also occur regularly, complimentary from Elite, which is always good.
I am passionate about football and have played my whole life, and integrating that with coaching children is something I have always wanted to explore as a career path. Throughout my coaching sessions, I thrive upon inspiring my players and teams to accomplish their footballing goals and achieve success, and when my players and teams achieve this, it is a great feeling to share.
James
Coaching football brings me immense joy as I am a passionate fan of the sport. It allows me to actively contribute to players’ aspirations by helping them expand their knowledge of the game and enhance their playing skills
Andrew
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.
Jai
Joining Elite Sports Academy in the UAE represents an exciting and pivotal advancement in my coaching career, seamlessly integrating my background in sports coaching, applied sport psychology, and youth mentorship. With over seven years of hands-on experience in sports coaching, I have honed my ability to develop and implement effective training programs tailored to athletes’ individual needs, fostering both their athletic skills and psychological resilience. My master’s degree in Applied Sport Psychology equips me with advanced strategies to enhance performance through mental conditioning, goal setting, and motivation techniques, ensuring that athletes not only excel physically but also thrive mentally.
Additionally, my role as a youth engagement mentor has refined my skills in nurturing young talent, understanding their unique developmental needs, and inspiring them to achieve their fullest potential. As a personal trainer, I have cultivated a deep understanding of fitness regimes and personalised training approaches, which complements the holistic training philosophy at Elite Sports Academy. The Academy’s commitment to excellence and its innovative approach to sports development align perfectly with my career goals and passion for coaching. I am eager to contribute my expertise to the Academy’s dynamic environment, where I can further develop my skills, collaborate with top-tier professionals, and make a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes.
Nithin
Mavel
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.
Arron
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.
Jessica
As a dedicated Swim Coach, my passion lies in helping children discover the joys and benefits of swimming. Watching a child progress from their first splash to swimming with confidence is incredibly rewarding and fuels my love for what I do. Joining Elite has allowed me to carry on my career here in Dubai, it’s so fulfilling being part of a team that prioritises swimmers growth and allows me to teach in the best environment.
My approach to teaching is all about creating a fun, safe, and encouraging environment while each child feels supported as they learn at their own pace. My goal is to inspire a lifelong love for swimming, while also helping children grow into confident, capable individuals.
George
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.
Kaylin
Joining Elite Sports Academy was a pivotal moment in my coaching career, marking my first opportunity to coach in a new country. At Elite, our mission is to create an uplifting experience ensuring gymnastics is enjoyable, safe, and open to everyone. Gymnastics provides that vital introduction to activity, which can be the beginning of many varied journeys. It’s our chance to reimagine activities to enhance participant experience.
Coaching is deeply meaningful to me because I have the privilege to guide young individuals to reach their full potential, both in and out of the gym. Coaching provides a unique chance to influence young lives, encouraging growth and equipping them with lifelong skills. It goes beyond technical teaching; it’s about building confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Yaw
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.
Peter
I am a dedicated coach with 19 years of experience coaching swimmers of all levels. Known for expertise with Learn to Swim, Stroke Development and competitive skills for gales/races, I focus on building strong and confident athletes through personal coaching and committed to inspire and develop swimmers to reach their full potential in a fun and happy environment.
I am thrilled to join Elite Sports and excited to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team and look forward to contributing to our shared goals.
Mahmoud
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.
Priyanka
My journey in gymnastics began as a gymnast, and this early passion evolved into a commitment to the sport. Coaching gymnastics has been a profound and fulfilling part of my life, and joining Elite has expanded my ability to share my knowledge on broader, more diverse platform.
Having coached gymnastics in the UK and US, I have experienced various styles and methods, each enriching my understanding for the sport. My passion for coaching holds a strong belief that gymnastics is more than just a physical activity – it’s a powerful tool for personal development. I prioritise making each class creative, engaging and with elements of challenge. This approach not only allows for a positive gymnastics experience and builds a love for the sport, but it also ensures that students develop essential motor skills, coordination, core strength and overall physical conditioning.
The fundamental skills gained through gymnastics lay a strong foundation for progressions in all sports. By creating a fun and stimulating environment, I strive to inspire athletes to reach their full potential both in gymnastics and more.
Google Reviews
My 5 year old daughter was super afraid of the water & was so hard to get her to learn or want to learn to swim. Took her to elite […]
I have enrolled my child in Elite Football Academy, and I must say it has been an incredible experience for my child. Coach Sam Sunder is an excellent coach, they […]
My sons simply LOVE Elite because the coaches are very professional, kind, see the uniqueness in each team member, nurture their strengths and guide them on where they need improvement. […]
My son has been attending Elite Sports Academy since 2018 and I have nothing but praise for their organization, professionalism, and competence.
The coaches are competent and dedicated, providing an excellent and fun learning environment for young athletes. As a result, my son is always looking forward to his football sessions and […]
Overall, I am extremely impressed with the quality of service and experience that Elite Sports provides, and I am grateful for the positive impact that it has had on my […]
I cannot rate Elite highly enough. Holiday camps – AMAZING!!! My daughter (now 8) loves the Multisports & has done so for numerous holidays.
Full of variety, physical activity, team spirit, skills & of course fun!! With a bit of leadership & moral guidance thrown in.
We love love love coach PAUL – he is the kindest, most patient, most motivating, skilled, experienced, down to earth & child-focused coach ever!!! We were therefore overjoyed that he […]
My twin girls have been with Elite football for two years and absolutely love it. They never say no to anything, in fact I think they can even want to […]