McDonald’s UAE is extending its role beyond the fast-food counter and onto the sports field, launching its all-new Junior Sports Academy this September. The initiative, aimed at children aged 8 to 12, will offer professional training in padel, basketball, football, and cricket across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
The Academy builds on the success of the company’s Junior Padel Academy, which since 2023 has trained more than 1,000 children across the UAE. With an expanded scope, the new programme reflects McDonald’s UAE’s push to promote healthier lifestyles and create “feel-good moments” for families in the Emirates.
“Last year, a parent told me their child had discovered a new passion and confidence they hadn’t seen before,” said Walid Fakih, CEO of McDonald’s UAE. “Hearing how much of an impact the programme had on families inspired us to go bigger and bring basketball, football, and cricket into the mix. Our goal? To get even more kids moving, learning, and growing through the power of sport.”
Weekend sessions with pro coaches
The Junior Sports Academy will run on weekends for eight weeks, with sessions led by professional coaches at top sporting facilities. Each child will receive full access to coaching, equipment, and kits, all covered by McDonald’s UAE.
At the end of each programme, participants will be recognised at an award ceremony, receiving certificates celebrating their effort and progress. The structure is designed to encourage children to try new activities, develop teamwork and motor skills, and stay physically active in a supportive environment.
Registration is priced at AED 100 per child, with all other costs underwritten by McDonald’s UAE. Families can choose from multiple venues and flexible timings, though spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sports schedule
The rollout begins with padel on 27 September, running until 15 November 2025. Basketball will follow on 4 October through 22 November, while football and cricket are scheduled to launch in early 2026.
The expansion reflects a growing interest in youth sports across the UAE, where parents and policymakers alike have voiced concerns about children’s screen time and sedentary habits. Programmes like McDonald’s Junior Sports Academy are designed to address these issues by making structured, high-quality sports training accessible and affordable.
A family-focused initiative
The launch also aligns with McDonald’s global strategy to engage more deeply with local communities. While the brand is best known for its burgers and fries, in the UAE it has increasingly invested in family-oriented initiatives, from Ramadan food drives to educational campaigns in schools.
By introducing padel, basketball, football, and cricket into its Academy, McDonald’s UAE is not just expanding its offering—it is also tapping into some of the region’s most popular sports, ensuring wide appeal for children and their families.
Registration for the Junior Sports Academy is now open via the company’s official website: mcduae.com/event/junior-sports-academy.
