News DeskDubai, UAE – The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has kicked off the largest and most inclusive edition of the Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament (DOFA), featuring a record 12,000 players competing across 558 teams from 117 academies nationwide.
Organised in collaboration with the UAE Football Association and in partnership with Delta Aid Sport, the tournament underscores DSC’s commitment to nurturing young sporting talent and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global sports hub.
This year’s event marks a significant expansion, with a 9.1 per cent increase in player participation and an 11.6 per cent rise in team entries compared to last season, which saw 11,000 players and 500 teams from 100 academies take part. Among the participants are 40 girls’ teams, highlighting the tournament’s growing inclusivity and appeal.
Players aged between six and 23 years old will compete across various divisions in a single-round league system, complemented by a Super Cup that will bring together the top-performing teams. Matches will run throughout the sports season across nine venues, including Dubai Sports City, ensuring wide participation and equal opportunities for all academies.
The DOFA Tournament forms part of DSC’s broader vision to develop youth and academy players in line with Dubai’s leadership’s ambition to position the emirate as a global hub for sports and human development.
In a statement, the Council said the initiative aims to provide young footballers with a professional platform to refine their skills, gain valuable competitive experience, and uphold the principles of fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
All facilities and infrastructure have been prepared in accordance with international safety and quality standards, ensuring an exceptional experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
By expanding the reach and scale of the tournament, DSC continues to strengthen Dubai’s growing reputation as a center for sporting excellence and youth development across the region.
