Dubai: The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has successfully concluded the Summer Football Academies tournament, hosted at Dubai Sports World in the Dubai World Trade Centre. The annual event witnessed extensive participation from private academies and local clubs, reflecting the Council’s ongoing efforts to broaden the grassroots base of football, nurture emerging talent, and effectively prepare teams for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.

This year's edition featured 26 teams competing across three age categories: Under-10, Under-11, and Under-12. A total of 468 players representing 39 nationalities took part in the tournament, underscoring the rich diversity of Dubai’s football landscape and the emirate's premier sporting environment that brings together athletes from various cultural backgrounds.

Over the course of 98 matches, participants demonstrated outstanding technical skills, high competitive spirit, and exceptional sportsmanship. The dynamic engagement from the teams and technical staff created a highly competitive yet disciplined atmosphere.

A major highlight of the tournament was the identification of 43 promising young football talents. These players exhibited exceptional technical abilities and skills, reinforcing the vital role of community and academic tournaments in providing a strategic platform for early talent discovery.

The focus on talent discovery aligns directly with the core strategic objectives of the Dubai Sports Council. By providing young players with competitive exposure, the Council aims to enhance their physical and technical capabilities, contributing to a robust and sustainable foundation for football in the Emirate of Dubai.

Adel Al Bannai, Head of the Football Companies Section at the Dubai Sports Council, presented the championship trophies and medals to the winning teams.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Al Bannai said: "This tournament reflects the Dubai Sports Council’s commitment to organizing events that provide young players with continuous opportunities to compete and develop. Our focus is on discovering promising football talents and providing them with the ideal environment to advance their sporting careers. This ultimately supports the future of football in Dubai and contributes to preparing a new generation of elite players."

The tournament concluded with the crowning of top-performing teams across the Gold and Silver divisions for each age group:

Under-10 Category:

Gold: SOFA secured first place, followed by Shabab Al Ahli in second, Al Nasr in third, and Al Wasl in fourth.
Silver: Al Nasr took the top spot, followed by Hatta, Al Furjan, Al Fareej, and AFC.

Under-11 Category:

Gold: Shabab Al Ahli claimed first place, ahead of Al Wasl, Al Nasr, and Barca Academy Dubai.
Silver: Al Nasr (B) finished first, followed by Al Furjan, Hatta, and Real Madrid Academy.

Under-12 Category:

Gold: Fursan Hispania won first place, with Al Wasl in second, Al Nasr in third, and Al Furjan in fourth.
Silver: Shabab Al Ahli secured first place, followed by Sama Sport, Al Fareej, and Hatta.