elite sports
at wek

Where teamwork, passion, and athletic excellence come alive.

About Our
Elite Sports Programmes

At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, we are proud to offer Elite Sports Programmes in Tennis, Football, and Swimming, giving talented student-athletes the opportunity to pursue sporting excellence alongside a world-class British education. 

Each pathway is designed to support students in achieving their full athletic and academic potential. With access to expert coaching, outstanding facilities, and flexible timetables, our students are empowered to train at a high-performance level while continuing to succeed in the classroom. 

Our approach to elite sport is holistic. We focus not only on performance, but also on character development, resilience, and student wellbeing. Whether on the court, in the pool, or on the field, every athlete is supported to grow as both a competitor and a learner. 

Our goal is simple: to create an environment where academic excellence and elite sport go hand in hand, enabling our students to thrive now and in the future. 

Welcome from our
director of sports

Sport plays a central role in life at WEK, where we believe in the power of physical activity to inspire, challenge, and unite our students. We field competitive teams across all age groups, from U8 to U19, giving every student the chance to represent the academy in a wide range of sports. WEK Competes in the DASSA league, Dubai School Games, World School Games, Unified Games and Youth Football League. 

Our commitment to excellence is evident in our top-tier performance across key disciplines. We compete in Division 1 for Football, Tennis, and Swimming, consistently delivering outstanding results. Our Football and Tennis teams are known for their skill, determination, and sportsmanship, while our Swimming team has earned WEK the prestigious title of Number 1 Secondary School for Swimming in Dubai – an honour we’ve held for three consecutive years. 

Beyond competition, sport at WEK is about developing character, leadership, and lifelong healthy habits. Our students benefit from exceptional coaching, outstanding facilities, and a supportive environment that encourages both individual growth and team spirit. Whether aspiring to elite performance or simply enjoying the game, every student at WEK is empowered to achieve their personal best through sport. 

Joanne Hearty - Director of Sports 

Elite Swimming Programme

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, our Swimming Centre of Excellence offers a world-class training experience that is fully integrated within the academic school day. Designed for aspiring student-athletes, the programme enables swimmers to pursue elite-level performance without compromising their education. 

In partnership with Hamilton Aquatics, the UAE’s leading swim academy, students benefit from expert coaching, including guidance from an ex-Olympic coach, and tailored training plans that focus on long-term athletic development. Our facilities include underwater cameras for stroke analysis, a functional fitness suite, and access to long course training. 

A flexible academic timetable, supported by personalised learning plans and remote access to classwork, ensures swimmers maintain strong academic progress—whether training, travelling, or competing. With additional support in performance nutrition and opportunities for scholarships, our elite swimming programme nurtures well-rounded, high-performing individuals ready to succeed in sport and beyond. 

ELITE
Football Programme

At GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, our Performance Football Centre (PFC) provides aspiring footballers with an elite, integrated pathway to success both on the pitch and in the classroom. Open to students from U7 to U19, our football programme combines high-level coaching, year-round match experience, and academic flexibility—creating the ideal environment for student-athletes to thrive. 

Training takes place on state-of-the-art pitches with full-time coaches from It’s Just Football (IJF) Academy, our technical partner. Athletes also benefit from tailored academic pathways, including GCSE options designed around their football commitments, and access to additional qualifications such as coaching and mental health first aid. 

Recognised as a UAE FA Talent ID Centre, WEK provides direct access to national development opportunities. Through our partnership with SRUSA, students can also pursue football scholarships at universities across the USA—opening doors to global success in both sport and education. 

ELITE TENNIS
PROGRAMME

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, our Elite Tennis Programme delivers professional-level training within a supportive academic environment. Designed for passionate and ambitious student-athletes, the programme blends world-class coaching, flexible learning pathways, and tailored tournament schedules to ensure success on court and in the classroom. 

In partnership with Rackets Academy, students benefit from elite coaching teams with experience from all four Grand Slams, ATP/WTA tours, Division 1 US colleges, and top European academies. Training takes place in premium, fully air-conditioned facilities, including four new tennis courts and a performance-focused gym. 

Athletes follow bespoke timetables that support both academic progress and athletic development. With over 120 trophies and numerous international college placements, our tennis programme has a proven track record of competitive success and holistic student growth. 

 

frequently asked
questions

Who can join the Elite Programmes at WEK?

The programmes are available to students who demonstrate talent, dedication, and a strong interest in pursuing competitive sport. Entry is based on performance level and a trial assessment with our team. 

Can my child balance elite sport with academic study?

Yes. Our bespoke timetables and flexible academic pathways ensure students maintain strong academic progress alongside intensive training and competitions. Remote learning support and teacher guidance are in place to help manage both priorities effectively. 

Who delivers the coaching for elite sports?

We partner with top sports organisations including Hamilton Aquatics, It’s Just Football (IJF) Academy, and Rackets Academy. These expert teams bring international experience and offer personalised training aligned with each student’s development goals. 

Are there opportunities for scholarships or international pathways?

Yes. Our partnerships with organisations like SRUSA and track records in performance sport mean students have access to national team pathways, US college scholarships, and support for professional sporting careers. 

voices of the programme

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, our Elite Sports Programme is defined by those who experience it every day. Hear from our students, elite athletes, and partners as they share how world-class coaching, academic support, and global opportunities have shaped their journeys on and off the field.

I've never ever seen a centre like the Swim Centre of Excellence before, with a school actively going out their way to help athletes, fueling them and their minds at the same time. There's nothing better!

Adam Peaty

Olympic Swimming Champion

Blog
HIGHLIGHTS

GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our U13 and U15 Aquathlon Teams ..

GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail is proud to unveil its brand-new indoor tennis facility, a major milestone in the sch..

At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, football is more than just a sport, it’s a pathway to personal excellence, intern..

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Nursery  – Year 13