sport
Abu Dhabi Launches All-Stars Team Initiative Across Four Youth Sports
The new initiative connects school athletes with advanced training across four sports ahead of its formal start later this year.
How we reported this
Abu Dhabi students prepared to showcase their skills at the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship Finals this Saturday with the first appearance of the All-Stars Team in a futsal match starting at 2.30 pm.
The event at Marina Hall, ADNEC, opens at 10 am and features a closing ceremony from 4.30 pm to 6 pm, giving families a chance to watch young players from across the emirate compete in a setting designed to celebrate emerging talent.
Building pathways through school competitions
The All-Stars approach draws participants from established events such as the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship and the Charter Schools Cup, placing selected athletes into structured sessions that extend beyond regular school fixtures. This setup supports consistent training while keeping the focus on teamwork and skill development in a local context where many families already follow school-level matches.
Four sports form the core of the pilot that begins in August 2025: football, basketball, table tennis and badminton. Scouting occurs directly through these school tournaments, creating a direct route for stand-out performers to access higher-level coaching without leaving the emirate.
Support from ADEK and next steps for families
ADEK backs the programme as part of its work to increase physical activity and create inclusive environments for students. The emphasis remains on long-term opportunities that reach past the school grounds and toward national or international competition.
Residents can attend the finals at Marina Hall, ADNEC on 10 May to see the All-Stars futsal match and learn more about how the initiative will operate once it launches in August. Details on registration and upcoming sessions will follow the event, according to the announcement on yallaabudhabi.ae.