Home   »   Features   »   Game on!

Game on!

How to be the best you can – get some lessons from the pros! Abu Dhabi is awash with sports academies for young and (in some cases) old. Here’s our starter list …

cvover_story_game_on_02

Martial Arts

UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation

The official authority for jiu jitsu in the UAE implants techniques based on the core values of loyalty, teamwork, professionalism, respect and self-confidence. Classes run for ages 4–10, 11–16 and 17+. Emiratis can join for free;  for other nationalities, only the 17+ adults classes are charged.

Swim

Arabian Swim Academy

ASA guarantees a fun and safe family environment in and around the water for all ages. Options range from the Baby-swim programme to learning how to swim and ladies-only classes. Locations include British International School, Cranleigh and Al Muna schools or Al Raha Beach Hotel. AED 75 per session for groups, AED 240 for private lessons. 050 883 8091 [email protected]

 

Neptunes

With varied programmes for children from three and up, Neptunes seeks to deliver high quality swimming lessons by qualified Amateur Swimming Association trainers. Swimmers are able to participate in competitions and home country national championships as well. The programmes operate for six days a week and prices vary from AED 20 to AED 80, depending on the student’s level and swimming skills. At the end of this month Neptunes will be holding an assessment test for newcomers, but hurry – it’s almost fully booked. Al Yasmina School, Khalifa City. 056 725 3163 [email protected]

H2O Swim Club

Programmes for all ages and all levels from learners to competitive squad training. Locations: American Community School, British School Al Khubairat and Armed Forces Officer’s Club. Fees from AED 800. Pre-register online at www.2oswimclub.com 052 849 1010 [email protected]

 

PADI Swim School

The school teaches the US Starfish Aquatic Institute programme for water safety training. Its four main sections cater for swimmers from six months up until adult. AED 680 for group lessons (eight lessons per week) and AED 1,500 for private lessons (10 per week) plus AED 75 for annual registration. Location: The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. 050 111 8125 [email protected]

UAE, Dubai, Jebel Ali Resort. Watercooled photo shoot. 23-25 November 2012

Sailing

Watercooled

Watercooled runs an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Centre and offers a children’s RYA course for ages 8–16. The ten-week programme runs every day after school starting from 27th September and includes four different levels in order to nourish your sailing or windsurfing skills from amateur to expert. Once your skills progress, you’ll be able to join the Junior Racing Squad and compete in events around the UAE. AED 1,750 per person. Hiltonia Beach Club 02 639 5997 

cvover_story_game_on_06

Football

cvover_story_game_on_07

Manchester City School of Football

MC School of Football for budding Agüeros operates four terms, with the first running 30th August to 22nd October. Sessions are open for boys and girls from the age of three up until 16. Location: Zayed Sports City and NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat. Fees from AED 1,200. 056 420 5685 [email protected]

 

Real Madrid Foundation Academy

Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for players aged 4–17, this academy aims to do more than just teach football. Now open for registration for the 2015/2016 season (starts 5th September). AED 1,250 with kit included. Armed Forces Officers Club. 050 668 4371 www.rmfa.baniyas.ae  

 

Al Etihad Sports Academy

“Football is our passion” runs the Academy’s motto: it believes that everyone has talent, and that it’s their job to lead that talent in the right direction. For ages 4–16. Season starts 4th September. Location: American International School on Fridays and Saturdays. Fees from AED 400. 02 633 3920 [email protected]

 

Advantage Sports UAE

With a coaching programme to help kids develop their football skills and learn the beautiful game, programmes with Advantage Sports focus on two junior age groups. From 28th September to 17th December, children aged five to seven and eight to ten can enjoy weekly training on a Monday or Wednesday evening. AED 704 for members and AED 880 for non-members for 11 sessions. 055 807 2482 www.advantagesportsuae.com 

 cvover_story_game_on_04

ProActive Soccer School 

“The ultimate football experience for 3-12 year olds” has Recreational, Development and Elite programmes, each tailored to players’ abilities and skills. They run for 11 continuous weeks in line with school terms. AED 700 for ages three to six, AED 750 for ages seven to 12. British School Al Khubairat, Al Mushrif and Yas Kicks, near Ferrari World. 056 613 0262 [email protected]

 

Rugby

Abu Dhabi Harlequins

As the first and longest running rugby club in Abu Dhabi, Quins now has over 1,200 members aged from three years up to adults. Registration for junior training starts 10th September, senior training is already underway. Season-long fees from AED 1,225. Zayed Sports City. 056 772 3010 [email protected]

Abu Dhabi Saracens 

“I run. The team runs. I work. The team works. I score. The team scores. I win. The team wins” is the Saracens motto. Rugby training for all ages from three years up, taught by professional coaches at Al Ghazal Golf Course Mondays to Wednesdays and at Le Méridien on Fridays. Fees from AED 1,200 to AED 1,450 (kit included). [email protected] www.abudhabisaracens.com

 cvover_story_game_on_03 

American Football

Emirates American Football League

Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Wildcats both offer youth programmes for beginners and more experienced players aged eight to 18. The 2015/16 season kicks off on 27th September. Training at Zayed Sports City. 050 659 0994 [email protected] 

cvover_story_game_on_10

Golf

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Academy

With a 150-yard wide, 380-yard long practice range, expansive putting green and three short game areas, the academy at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will help you get in the swing of things. Packages range from AED 1,500 for one month with five 45-minute lessons to AED 3,540 for three months with 15 45-minute lessons. 02 557 8000 www.sbgolfclub.ae/en/

Abu Dhabi City Golf Academy

The Junior Golf School for children aged 4–16 now coaches over 200 children every week. The children are provided with expert training from a team of PGA golf pros; the also have a chance to put their skills to the test in monthly Junior Golf Tournaments. Programmes include an hour per week for eight weeks. Starting from AED 575. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif. 02 445 9600 [email protected]

 cvover_story_game_on_09

Al Ghazal Golf Academy

“Everyone can play golf. We have the knowledge, technology and the commitment to make it happen” says Al Ghazal Golf Academy, home of the best 18-hole desert sand golf course in the UAE. The season starts from October until April every year. Location: near Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal Two. Fees from AED 30 to AED 250. 02 575 8185 m&[email protected] 

 cvover_story_game_on_11

Yas Links Academy

Boasting a nine-hole academy course on Yas Island it’s perfect for those who want to learn the sport or enhance their skills. A one-month membership from 1st September includes two 50-minute lessons with a Yas Links professional and is a good starting point. Classic membership fees range from AED 2,305 for juniors and AED 11,736 for seniors, with a AED 5,000 joining fee. Yas Island. 02 810 7710 www.yaslinks.com/home.aspx

Tennis

Professional Sport Services 

PSS claims to provide some of the most advanced tennis coaching in the UAE. Programmes are available for children aged three through to adults and offer a range of options for men and women of all skill levels in tennis, padel tennis and beach tennis. Adult PSS coaching sessions cost AED 230 for a single session or AED 2,100 for a block of ten. Location: Zayed Sports City.050 149 4862 www.zsc.ae/en/67/psscoaching

 

CF Tennis Academy

Five courts with coaching for players of all ages and levels of skill. Location: Al Ghazal Golf Club and Le Méridien Abu Dhabi.

055 333 9732 [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *