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.
Explore Our
SWIMMING offering
Discover how our elite swimming programme combines academic excellence with professional training. From expert coaching and personalised timetables to partnerships with Hamilton Aquatics and FITT Meals, explore the support systems that help our student-athletes thrive in the classroom and in the pool.
PROGRAMME
World-Class Facilities
WEK offers swimmers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including underwater cameras and a dedicated functional fitness suite. These high-performance tools allow for detailed technique analysis and targeted strength training—helping athletes refine stroke mechanics, enhance efficiency in the water, and reach their full potential.
PROGRAMME
Expert Coaching
Led by ex-Olympic coach Dejan Pejinovic, our coaching team brings decades of elite-level experience. Dejan’s philosophy centres on long-term athlete development, adjusting training volume and intensity to meet each swimmer’s age, ability, and goals. Every student benefits from personalised, high-impact technical coaching to support progression at the highest level.
PROGRAMME
Bespoke Timetables & Training Plans
Student-athletes follow a bespoke timetable, allowing time for intensive training without compromising academic progress. Through personalised learning plans and remote access to lessons, students stay on track, even when travelling for competitions, supported by our expert teaching team.
PROGRAMME
Transport for Long Course Training
To ensure consistent exposure to elite training environments, WEK provides dedicated transport to 50m long course pool sessions. This service supports performance development while helping students maintain balance between training, study, and recovery.
PROGRAMME
Scholarships
Top-performing swimmers have the opportunity to earn performance-based swimming scholarships. These scholarships recognise athletic talent and commitment, providing additional support to help student-athletes pursue excellence in the pool while continuing their academic journey in a world-class learning environment. Dedication and performance are rewarded at every level.
PARTNERSHIPS
Hamilton Aquatics
WEK is proud to partner with Hamilton Aquatics as our technical partner for our Swimming Centre of Excellence. Hamilton Aquatics are the UAE’s leading swim academy known for producing international-level athletes. This partnership provides our swimmers with access to elite coaching, competition pathways, and performance expertise, ensuring they receive the highest standard of training in and out of the water.
PARTNERSHIPS
Fuelling Performance with FITT Meals
In partnership with FITT Meals, our student-athletes receive expertly crafted meal plans tailored to fuel performance and support recovery. With a focus on energy, balance, and wellbeing, FITT Meals ensures every swimmer is equipped to perform at their best, both in training and competition.
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.
Explore Our
FOOTBALL offering
Discover how our elite football programme at WEK blends professional coaching, top-tier facilities, and academic flexibility. With competitive pathways, UAE FA recognition, and US scholarship opportunities through SRUSA, our student-athletes are supported to excel in football while achieving academic success.
ACADEMIC
State-of-the-Art Football & Fitness Facilities
WEK offers swimmers access to state-of-the-art facilities, including underwater cameras and a dedicated functional fitness suite. These high-performance tools allow for detailed technique analysis and targeted strength training—helping athletes refine stroke mechanics, enhance efficiency in the water, and reach their full potential.
ACADEMIC
Year-Round Coaching and Competitive Pathways
PFC offers extensive contact hours for all players from U7 – U19. Students benefit from consistent, high-quality training and regular competitive matches, giving them the platform to develop their game, gain match experience, and progress through clearly defined performance pathways.
ACADEMIC
Academic Integration at GCSE Level
Football is embedded into the academic curriculum at WEK from Year 10, allowing students to pursue their passion while meeting their educational goals. Specialised GCSE academic pathways are tailored to support the unique demands of student-athletes. Students cover coaching qualifications, Mental Health First Aid Courses and other aspects life as a footballer.
ACADEMIC
UAE FA Talent ID Centre
WEK is proud to be recognised as a UAE Football Association Talent ID Centre. This prestigious partnership connects our players to national scouting opportunities, helping talented athletes progress into the UAE National Team Programme through direct identification and development support.
ACADEMIC
SRUSA US Scholarship Pathway
Through our partnership with SRUSA, WEK provides U19 footballers with the opportunity to pursue scholarships at universities across the United States. This pathway supports athletes in combining high-level football with a college education, opening doors to international academic and sporting success.
PARTNERSHIPS
IJF Academy
IJF Academy is our dedicated technical partner, delivering all coaching across the PFC. Their experienced, full-time coaches lead the football development programme and align training methods with international best practices, ensuring consistent, professional delivery.
PARTNERSHIPS
Chris Brown Football: Equipment Partner
WEK partners with Chris Brown Football to provide state-of-the-art equipment, including professional-grade goals, footballs, and training tools. This collaboration ensures our players train with the highest quality gear, creating a professional football environment that enhances skill development, match preparation, and overall player experience.
PARTNERSHIPS
Fuelling Performance with FITT Meals
Fuelling Performance with FITT Meals
Our partnership with FITT Meals ensures student-athletes receive performance-focused nutrition tailored to their training demands. Designed by experts, these balanced meals support recovery, boost energy levels, and promote holistic health, on and off the pitch.
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.
Explore Our
TENNIS PROGRAMME
Discover how our elite tennis programme empowers young athletes to excel on the international stage. With expert coaching, bespoke training schedules, and strong academic support, students are equipped to pursue global sporting success while achieving in school. Explore our world-class facilities, proven performance pathways, and global tennis partnerships.
ACADEMIC
World-Class Coaching Team
Our expert coaches bring experience from all four Grand Slams, ATP/WTA circuits, Division 1 US colleges, and top European academies. With multilingual staff and specialised strength & conditioning professionals, students receive elite level guidance tailored to their development, both on and off the court.
ACADEMIC
Premium Facilities
Students train on four custom-built courts and in a 2,500 sq ft gym, alongside a dedicated mental coaching classroom. From May to September, the training outdoor environment is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, ensuring year-round performance excellence in the Dubai climate.
ACADEMIC
Personalised, Flexible Training
The programme is tailored to each athlete’s needs with a mix of individual and group sessions. Training schedules and tournament calendars are customised to maximise player performance and rankings, while maintaining a strong focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Students lesson resources are posted on TEAMS during periods of travel and competition so they can catch up on missed work at their leisure. Staff support is always available to ensure no gaps in curriculum knowledge.
ACADEMIC
Competitive Success and Global Pathways
With over 120 trophies won and multiple college placements, the programme has a proven track record. Students compete internationally as a team in TE, ATF, and ITF Tournaments whilst gaining valuable experience while supported by travelling coaches preparing them for success in global tennis and higher education pathways.
PARTNERSHIPS
Rackets Academy
Rackets are our technical partner for the programme. Rackets Academy boast highly professional coaching staff with extensive experience. It operates across multiple locations, each equipped with high-quality facilities. A wide range of programmes are available, catering to all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the academy fosters a strong sense of community through regular engagement and social events.
PARTNERSHIPS
HEAD
Rackets Academy has established a partnership with HEAD, a leading global tennis brand, to enhance the training experience for its players. Through this collaboration, HEAD provides Rackets Academy with professional-grade tennis gear, including racquets, balls, and accessories. This partnership ensures that athletes at Rackets Academy train with top-tier equipment, aligning with the academy's commitment to high-performance standards.
PARTNERSHIPS
Fuelling Performance with FITT Meals
Our partnership with FITT Meals supports players with performance-focused nutrition plans. Balanced and expertly designed, these meals fuel recovery, improve stamina, and support student well-being throughout their training and academic journey.
Swimming
Football
Mental Health First Aid
Strength and Conditioning
Elite Football
Fitness Suite
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
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..