If you have ever wanted to try your hand at a new sport or train and develop further with a sport you enjoy, E-Sports could have the answer with academies for a variety of different sports and activities. We grabbed a word with Abu Dhabi co-ordinator, Ben Reynolds, to get the low-down.
Could you explain what E-Sports is all about?
E-Sports provides world class sports training academies for children and adults across a variety of sports. The academies employ the very best professional coaches and operate in top quality sports facilities around Abu Dhabi. Currently, in Abu Dhabi, E-Sports runs academies for football, dance, swimming, basketball, karate, yoga and tennis, with gymnastics and cricket academies scheduled for next year, which we are really excited about.
What days are lessons available?
Lessons are available every day, although each sports academy runs its own weekly schedule.
What age groups do you teach?
All of the sports academies teach age-related sessions which begin at four years old. However, this year the E-Sports football academy has run a highly successful Football Tots session for three to four-year-olds. This session takes place on a Saturday morning at the GEMS World Academy in central Abu Dhabi and will continue throughout 2012.
Do the kids have the opportunity to play organised matches?
One of the unique benefits of our sports academies is that they all provide a development route for participants. Sessions are targeted so that it does not matter if you’re a beginner or join as an elite performer, there are sessions for all levels and abilities. As participants reach the required level, opportunities are given to perform in competitive organised matches. Last year our Elite Football Academy was awarded the opportunity to travel to Wales to play in the International Welsh Super Cup for example, as well as in tournaments here in the UAE.
Why would you recommend E-Sports to people?
Sport is our passion. Many of our coaches are former professionals in their sports and now have reached a high level of coaching qualifications. E-Sports strives to develop the new generation of sports participants here in the UAE. We are committed to excellence and provide each of our members with the attention they need to learn and improve.
What benefits can people gain from joining E-Sports?
We believe that through sport, individuals can learn new skills that span beyond the pitch or court. We value building self-esteem, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and enjoying social involvement as well as improving your game.
What do participants need to bring to the academy?
E-Sports academies provide all equipment so participants can arrive and play! Some activities require the purchase of specialist equipment to get the very most out of each session, however usually our members arrive with a water bottle – ready to have fun and play sport.
Do you offer training camps?
E-Sports also offer multi-activity holiday camps. These are a great thing to do for children through the holidays. Camps include football, tennis, swimming, baseball and many more sports, with the aim of getting children up and active, as well as improving skills and making lots of friends.
E-Sports, GEMS American Academy, www.esportsdubai.com (050 940 0704).
