Dubai Sports Council Unveils Largest Edition Of Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament With Record Participation

The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has introduced the Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament (DOFA) in partnership with the UAE Football Association and Delta Aid Sport. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and bolster Dubai's status as a global sports hub. This year's tournament is the largest yet, featuring 12,000 players across 558 teams from 117 academies, including 40 girls' teams.

Participants come from all Emirates, competing in age groups from 6 to 23 years. The event has seen a 9.1% rise in player numbers and an 11.6% increase in team entries compared to last year, which had 11,000 players and 500 teams from 100 academies. These statistics highlight the tournament's growing popularity and its role in developing football talent across the UAE.

The championship employs a single-round league format and includes a Super Cup for top group winners. Matches are scheduled throughout the sports season at nine venues, including Dubai Sports City. This setup ensures wide participation and equal opportunities for players and academies.

The DOFA Tournament reflects DSC’s dedication to supporting youth and academy players, aligning with Dubai’s leadership vision to attract and develop sporting talent across various disciplines. It also supports the emirate’s strategy to advance the sports sector, discover future stars, and cultivate high-performing athletes.

This initiative by DSC offers young footballers a professional platform to enhance their skills, gain competitive experience, and embrace values like fair play and teamwork. All facilities meet international safety and professionalism standards, ensuring an exceptional experience for participants.

Through this tournament, DSC aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a regional and global center for sports development. By providing such opportunities, they hope to create new generations of athletes who can excel on both regional and international stages.

With inputs from WAM