News DeskDubai, UAE – The Dubai Open Football Academies Championship, hailed as Asia’s largest youth football event, concluded triumphantly after 19 weeks of intense competition. Organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), UAE Football Association, and DELTA Sports Events Co., the tournament saw 12,000 male and female players from 600 teams representing 112 public and private academies battle across 4,500 matches at nine venues in Dubai.
Champions Rise Across Age Groups
Twelve age categories, ranging from Under-6 to Under-23, showcased emerging talent. Al Wasl Club dominated the younger brackets, securing victories in U8, U9, and U18 categories. The Reds Team claimed double glory in U14 and U21, while Barcelona Dubai impressed in U13 and U16. Other notable winners included La Liga HBC (U15), Empire FC (U17), and Dubai Irish Club (U11, U12). In the Cup competitions, Ajax Academy (U9), City FC (U10, U18), and Al Nasr Team (U21) stood out.
Stars of Tomorrow Recognized
Individual accolades highlighted standout performances: Al Nasr Club’s Hassan Bashir (Best Goalkeeper, U21) and Hamad Jassim Mahdi (Best Player, U9), alongside Al Wasl’s Issa Khalid Al-Wahabi (U9 Final MVP) and Fahad Saeed (U7 Man of the Match). Coach Abdullah Hassan earned praise for his role in nurturing young talent.
A Launchpad for Football Futures
Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, DSC’s Sports Talent Director, underscored the championship’s impact: “This tournament has become a cornerstone for scouting talent, with participation soaring 120% since 2027. Partnerships with global academies like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Manchester City elevate our players’ exposure.”
Innovation Drives Development
Cutting-edge initiatives included match analysis by Talent Sport Co. and performance assessments via Athletic BCN’s talent lab. Over 250 certified referees ensured fair play, while scouts identified prospects for professional pathways.
2026 Vision: Bigger, Better, Bolder
Buoyed by this year’s success, organizers announced plans to expand the 2026 edition, aiming for broader participation, advanced training programs, and deeper scouting networks to solidify the UAE’s football legacy.
The championship not only celebrated victories but also reinforced Dubai’s commitment to fostering world-class football talent, setting the stage for a brighter sporting future.
