Department of Education and Knowledge launches Sports Championship for Schools

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) has launched the Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools, introducing a new competition model that gives students across the emirate more regular and meaningful opportunities to play, compete and progress. Through structured competition, the championship will help students build confidence, teamwork and resilience, while encouraging a lasting passion for sport and creating pathways to develop their potential over time.

More than 350 schools will take part across 19 sporting disciplines throughout the academic year, with competitions taking place across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The scale of the championship brings together students from across the emirate and creates a broad platform for school sport participation, with different competition formats designed to meet the needs of different age groups and sports.

His Excellency Mohamed Taj Eddine Ahmed Alqadi, Chairman of the Department of Education and Knowledge – Abu Dhabi, said: “We want every student to have the opportunity to experience sport as a meaningful part of school life – to be active, compete, discover their potential and develop a passion that can stay with them for years to come. The championship is also about teaching students to compete with integrity, approach winning and losing with humility, show respect for others and develop the discipline to keep improving. These are values that extend far beyond the playing field, helping us develop confident, active young people while creating opportunities for those with the potential to take their talent further.”

His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Sport has incredible potential to bring people together in meaningful ways, and this new championship creates an important platform for students, schools and families across Abu Dhabi to share in that experience. By bringing competition closer to communities and creating more opportunities for young people to participate, compete and grow, we are helping foster confidence and teamwork while encouraging more active lifestyles. In doing so, we are contributing to a more connected emirate and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a place where sport is part of everyday life and a pathway for young talent to thrive.”

The championship will be delivered through two competition formats, designed to provide age-appropriate opportunities for students across different sports and stages of development.

The Elite League for U17 and U19 students will provide a season-long league for older student athletes, with regular weekly competition across seven sports: football; basketball; volleyball; padel; athletics; jiu-jitsu; and swimming. The district-based model connects nearby schools through regular games close to home, building stronger community support around student athletes. Students will have more opportunities to play, improve and represent their schools throughout the season, while the U17 Junior Varsity pathway prepares athletes to progress into U19 Varsity competition.

The Tournament Format for U9 to U19 students will feature inter-school competitions across the school year, with qualifying rounds and finals. The format covers rugby and 11 other individual sports – archery; badminton; chess; cycling; fencing; judo; Obstacle Course Racing (OCR); laser run; table tennis; taekwondo; and wrestling. For U11 to U15 year students, tournament competition will also include football; basketball; volleyball; athletics; jiu-jitsu; and swimming.

Together, the two formats are designed to give students more opportunities to play, compete and develop throughout the school year. Coaches across all sports are qualified and trained to provide students with effective training and support. Every fixture is intended to reinforce the championship values of integrity, humility, respect and discipline. These values reinforce sportsmanship among the youth. The ambition is to build a sporting culture in which participation, character and commitment matter alongside performance.

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Abu Dhabi Sports Championship for Schools represents a key pillar in our efforts to develop school sports, expand participation, and identify and nurture promising talent. We firmly believe that schools are the starting point for building a generation of athletes capable of competing and excelling. By providing a comprehensive competitive framework that brings together more than 350 schools across 19 different sports, we are creating broader opportunities for students to develop their skills while reinforcing the values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.”

His Excellency added: “We are proud of our partnership with the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Through this championship, we aim to strengthen the integration between school sports, clubs, and sports academies, while creating clear and sustainable pathways that enable talented athletes to progress from school competitions to more advanced levels. This supports the future of sports in Abu Dhabi and enhances its presence on both the regional and international stages.”

The championship will also feature Unified Leagues in collaboration with Special Olympics UAE, ensuring Students of Determination have opportunities to participate and compete in an inclusive environment that supports confidence, teamwork and personal growth.

A new rewards and recognition programme will recognise schools, student athletes, teachers and coaches, including talent scholarships supporting student tuition and development, funding for sports infrastructure and equipment, and professional development opportunities for coaches and teachers. The programme will also feature an emirate-wide leaderboard and awards for the top-performing schools in the Elite League.

For standout athletes identified throughout the season, the championship can be the beginning of a longer development journey. Through ADEK’s talent identification process, high-performing students may be selected for the All-Star Program, an elite development initiative connecting Abu Dhabi’s most talented school athletes with professional coaching, regional and international competition opportunities, and pathways towards clubs, academies and professional sport.

Participation is managed through schools. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school sports department to understand the sports available, eligibility requirements, and school trial or selection dates. For more information, visit: sportscup.adek.ae.