It’s the most popular sport in the world with players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo viewed as super stars in the eyes of little boys and girls.
While all sports have their advantages and give kids transferable skills helping them in multiple fields of physical development, football is arguably one of the most well-rounded sports when it comes to ticking off important boxes for physical literacy, social development, and cognitive development. After all, team work makes the dream work.
So if your little people want to learn the offside rule, how to bend it like Beckham and what four four two means, then sign them up to one of these cool clubs.
City Football Schools, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Little ones can learn all the skills needed to master the beautiful game at this cool academy that has links to premier league side, Manchester City. The programme, which in the past has welcomed players such as Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, David Silva and Fernandinho, along with current manager Pep Guardiola, to the UAE to work with youngsters, welcomes players of all abilities from the age of three to 16.
Various locations in Dubai including Brighton College, Jumeirah Baccalaureate School, Koora Dome and Uptown School, CFS.Dubai@cityfootball.com. (056 420 5685). Various locations in Abu Dhabi including Emirates Palace, Al Maryah Island and Zayed Sports City, CFS.abuDhabi@cityfootball.com, (056 538 9501).
Elite Sports, Dubai
Players of all levels from beginner ballers to super strikers can fine tune their footie skills under the expert supervision of the club’s top coaches. The sessions focus on technique and tactics while teaching little footie fans the rules and etiquette of the game.
Various locations including JESS Dubai Arabian Ranches, www.elitesports.ae (04 554 5916).
Just 4 Keepers, Dubai
If your little one is more Jordan Pickford than Harry Kane – meaning their aim is to keep balls out of the net rather than kick them in it – then this goalkeeper-focused coaching will be right up their street. The international academy provides all the training they need to be a top goalie. Score… or rather, save!
Various locations, www.just4keepers.ae (056 855 7039).
My Sports Academy, Dubai
Kiddos can learn a love of the beautiful game from the lovely, expert coaches at MSA. No matter what their footballing ability, there is a group to suit them and little ones as young as five can start to work on their footwork and dribbling skills. Plus, MSA offers a number of football-focused holiday camps throughout the school year.
Various locations including JESS Jumeirah, mysportsacademydubai.com.
Spanish Soccer Schools, Dubai
Skills, skills and more skills is what this football academy aims to hone in your young football fan. In addition to teaching ball control, shooting at goal and defending, the club also focuses on providing children with the ability to critically think, asses and manage risk under pressure.
FitRepublik Fitness Centre, Studio City, www.footballacademydubai.com (04 448 1555).
