Arabian Falcons launch UAE’s first Premier League standard pathway into professional football

Dubai: Arabian Falcons FC has unveiled its new academy, marking the launch of the UAE's first Premier League-standard pathway into professional football, in line with the country's aspirations for football development. In contrast to many separate academies, the Arabian Falcons Academy is seamlessly integrated into the club's first-team structure, sharing their culture, coaching methods, and football philosophy.

The academy, managed by a team with extensive professional experience including Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Simpson, Ravel Morrison, Jason Puncheon, and Harry Agombar, will train all players under the same standards as the first team starting from the age of six. The academy will commence with a Free Trial Week from 24-28 August at JA Sports Complex, followed by its official launch on 1 September.

Sessions will be held Monday to Friday for two age groups - U6-U11 and U12-U16, overseen by specialist coaches. The Academy will also participate in the Youth Football League (YFL) every Sunday, with the fixtures revealed each Tuesday, providing young players with regular competitive football.

The academy's strength lies in its coaching and leadership team with a wealth of Premier League and international experience. Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Simpson, Ravel Morrison, and Jason Puncheon have all had careers in England's top flight, while Harry Agombar was mentored through Arsenal and Tottenham's academies before playing professionally in three countries.

For Dubai parents eager to foster their child's football career, the Arabian Falcons Academy offers a pathway grounded in genuine professional experience. Young players can learn from coaches who have tasted success at the highest levels of the sport, and the club's partnership with Brooke House FC opens doors to UK trials and exposure to USL League Two in the US.

The goal is to elevate UAE-developed talent beyond domestic football and into international football. Speaking on the academy, Jonjo Shelvey, the Manager of Arabian Falcons FC, emphasized, "This academy is about giving kids in Dubai something that’s never been available here before - a proper pathway, built on the same standards I’ve trained under my whole career. Every player who walks through the door at JA Sports Complex will be coached the same way we coach the first team."