A 48-year-old coach, fueled by his passion for football, is offering lessons to Emirati children at a remarkably low cost of Dh16.5 per session. Abdullah Ali, the founder of Hattrick Football Academy, expressed his desire to make these classes accessible to all families. The Emirati coach has dedicated over 11 years to coaching, talent scouting, and administrative roles at various local clubs. Initially approached by parents to teach their kids, he began conducting sessions in private centers and public spaces before establishing his academy.
Hattrick Academy has now grown to five locations—Nad Al Shiba, Oud Muteena, Al Warqa'a 3, Al Barsha 3, and Al Barsha South—serving children aged six to 14. The academy's mission is to make football training accessible, particularly for families facing transportation challenges to distant training grounds. Offered to UAE nationals at a nominal fee of Dh265, the package includes 16 sessions per month and a training uniform. Each year, Hattrick Academy expands its age groups; starting with ages 7 to 10, it now covers ages 5 to 14 and is even exploring basketball training for girls.
The academy fosters a family atmosphere, encouraging social connections among parents during training and competitions. Many parents have formed lasting friendships through these interactions, transforming the stands into lively social gatherings. A cornerstone of Hattrick Academy's success is its coaching philosophy, which selects coaches not just for their technical skills but also for their ability to connect with children. Coaches guide young players through positive reinforcement, emphasizing a nurturing approach crucial for developing well-rounded athletes.
Abdullah also stresses the importance of promoting health and wellness among his trainees, noting the rising obesity rates among children due to sedentary lifestyles and excessive gaming. He aims to instill a healthy lifestyle while encouraging children to reduce screen time. Teaching values like commitment to prayer and fostering sportsmanship that minimizes negativity are also key aspects of his coaching.
Despite the challenges, Abdullah remains committed to his mission. Securing suitable training locations remains his biggest hurdle, even with access to equipment. He admits that being a father figure while providing love and guidance during training is not easy, but he has seen significant improvements in players' fitness, gameplay, and self-confidence. Transforming a passion into a project requires significant effort and persistence, but Abdullah believes that dedication leads to opportunities.
The Al-Furjan Fund has played a crucial role in easing venue challenges and supporting his passion project. In his free time, Abdullah enjoys weekends with his five children while balancing work and training during weekdays. His nurturing yet firm approach has earned him deep respect from children and parents alike. Parents like Um Essa and Um Majid attest to the positive changes in their children, including respect for others and understanding the importance of prayer. The supportive training environment has fostered a sense of community, making Hattrick Academy feel like a family.
