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Dubai Sports Council Launches Record-Breaking Football Academies Tournament
The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has inaugurated the latest edition of the Dubai Open Football Academies Tournament (DOFA), in collaboration with the UAE Football Association and in partnership with Delta Aid Sport. The initiative forms part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to develop young athletic talent and reinforce Dubai’s role as a global sports hub.
This year’s tournament is the largest in its history, featuring 12,000 players - both male and female - forming 558 teams from 117 academies. The competition includes 40 girls’ teams and spans age groups from 6 to 23 years old. Participants represent academies from across all Emirates.
The event reflects steady growth, with a 9.1 percent increase in player participation and an 11.6 percent rise in team entries compared with last year’s edition, which involved 11,000 players and 500 teams from 100 academies. Matches are organized under a single-round league system, culminating in a Super Cup for top group winners. Competitions will take place throughout the sports season at nine venues, including Dubai Sports City, to ensure broad access for participants.
The DOFA Tournament is part of DSC’s broader strategy to nurture young talent, develop professional athletes, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a center for sports and human development. Facilities and infrastructure have been prepared to meet international standards of safety and professionalism, providing participants with opportunities to improve skills, gain competitive experience, and embrace teamwork and fair play.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
