Range of World-Class Facilities will Enable the Development of Young Talent Locally and Internationally
Dubai Sports City's Academy Campus - the cluster of major training facilities at the heart of the integrated sports destination - could play a major role in preparing competitors for future Olympics, according to senior executives.
The Academies will offer world-class facilities for a wide range of sports, including team and individual disciplines, and will be managed and operated by some of the most pre-eminent coaches in their fields.
This combination of high-end technology and advanced coaching techniques will attract a wide range of international teams and athletes, and also ensure that local competitors and sporting enthusiasts can access the Academies to develop their skills.
"We are focused on providing facilities for the next generation of athletes who could go on to represent their country at an international level," said Khalid Al Zarooni, President, Dubai Sports City. "When the Academies open, talented athletes will be able to access the finest facilities, some of the most experienced coaching staff, and training methods. They will also have the opportunity to interact with sportspeople from around the world, ensuring they are exposed to different sporting styles and cultures."
"It will be a unique offering in the world of sport, and will hopefully contribute to developing a broader culture of sporting achievement in this region," he added.
Academies currently under construction at Dubai Sports City include the ICC Global Cricket Academy, Football (home of the Manchester United Soccer Schools, Dubai), Rugby, Swimming and the FIH WorldHockey Academy, the Butch Harmon School of Golf and David Lloyd Tennis Academy.
Each academy will provide a world-class training base for international and UAE athletes, while also offering the perfect environment for local grassroots leagues and coaching.
"Each Academy will support a mix of high-end training and local grass roots sports offerings. In particular, we believe that the Academies will play a key role in encouraging more people in the UAE to take up sport, and ensure talented sportspeople achieve their full potential," added Al Zarooni.
Dubai Sports City is currently in negotiations with a number of local and international sporting bodies to utilise the potential of its training facilities as part of a wider, international training program.
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About WorldHockey Academy
The WorldHockey Academy is the first facility of its kind anywhere in the world.
Through a partnership between Dubai Sports City and the International Hockey Federation, the WorldHockey Academy will provide coaching at the highest professional level from seasoned hockey coaches, many of whom have represented their countries in the international arena.
About ICC Global Cricket Academy
Based at Dubai Sports City, the ICC Global Cricket Academy will be the focal point of world cricket development, offering players, coaches, umpires and trainers at all levels the opportunity to develop their education and skills.
The ICC Global Cricket Academy will provide state-of-the-art facilities with indoor and outdoor pitches, complimented by the latest technology to allow coaches to assess all areas of a player's game.
The facility will be home to some of the best cricket coaches in the world, who will work with visiting international teams as well as local players to improve the standard of cricket across the UAE.
As part of the plan to create the best training facility in the world, the ICC Global Cricket Academy is reproducing a variety of pitch types, which will replicate the playing surface conditions of the UK, sub-continent and Australia. The work involves importing specific types of clay, soil and turf using varying preparation and agronomic practices to replicate the characteristics of each surface.
About Dubai Sports City Football Facility
The Dubai Sports City Football facility is a unique centre of soccer excellence, providing elite facilities to cater to a full range of abilities and ages. Housed within the Dubai Sports City Football Academy campus, the purpose-built facility hosts programmes which include the well known Manchester United Soccer Schools and SOCATOTS, the world's first soccer specific physical play programme for children.
About Dubai Sports City Swimming Academy
Dubai Sports City's Swimming Academy will house an Olympic-size 50 metre pool which can be split into two 25 metre training pools through the use of an innovative bulk-head system.
Dubai Sport City is working with one of the world's leading video analyst companies to provide state-of the-art diagnostic coaching. The system includes an under-water video tracking system which is linked directly to the coaching suite for technical assessment so the swimmer will receive direct feedback from the coach. The Dubai Sports City Swimming Academy will also have state of the art training equipment for both wet and dry side training - a first-of-its-kind in Dubai.
Dubai Sports City's Swimming Academy will offer 'learn to swim' programmes and squad training from internationally accredited coaches.
About Butch Harmon School of Golf
The Butch Harmon School of Golf in Dubai will be based next to The Els Club golf course in Dubai Sports City.
The school, run by Claude Harmon III, will boast 'best in class' technical diagnostic coaching software and draw on the 'Harmon pedigree' and years of experience working with some of the world's best players over the last ten years.
The school will provide a coaching curriculum for the most talented players, as well as offering the opportunity for players of all ages to be the best they can be.
About David Lloyd Tennis Academy
The David Lloyd Tennis Academy in Dubai Sports City is scheduled to open early in 2010. The academy will operate with the goal of developing talented youngsters on court through developing modern techniques, hard work, dedication and determination.
Former British Davis Cup Captain David Lloyd is creating an environment where everyone can learn, develop and grow as well as participate in leagues and events for more competitive players.
The David Lloyd Academy at Dubai Sport City will provide everyone with the confidence and skills to realise their full potential.
About Dubai Sports City
Dubai Sports City (DSC), the cornerstone project of Dubailand, is a $4 billion, 50 million square feet mixed-use development which will be the world's first integrated purpose-built sports city.
The development will be built around five major sports venues and feature a series of major sports academy facilities. www.dubaisportscity.com.
© Press Release 2008
