At GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail, football is more than just a sport, it’s a pathway to personal excellence, international recognition, and professional opportunity. The Performance Football Centre (PFC) has transformed the school’s football provision into a semi-professional programme, redefining what school sport can look like in the region.
A Season of Standout Success
The 2024–25 season has been a landmark year for PFC. From the U19 boys' World School Games triumph in Barcelona to the development of the academy’s first full girls' football programme, PFC has proven itself as a leader in youth football. Weekly contact hours across all age groups (U7–U19) provide a consistent, structured training programme that builds technical, physical, and mental performance. With elite-level coaching and a clear performance pathway, students benefit from a programme that mirrors professional academy environments.
Empowering Female Footballers
This year also marked the launch of dedicated girls' teams at U12, U14, and U16 levels. With more than 60 girls now training under the PFC umbrella, the academy is creating equal opportunities for female athletes to develop their skills and compete at a high level. Fixtures against leading schools and local academies have helped raise the profile of girls' football at WEK and across the wider GEMS network.
Competitive Edge and Global Exposure
The PFC programme isn't limited to local matches. Players have competed in prestigious tournaments such as the GEMS Football Series and the World School Games, facing teams from around the world. These experiences not only test skill but expose students to global competition standards, teaching resilience, adaptability, and professionalism.
For older players, opportunities extend beyond the pitch. Through the school’s partnership with SRUSA, athletes have access to U.S. university scholarships, while national talent ID initiatives with the UAE FA open pathways to professional football.
Expert Coaching and Professional Partnerships
The PFC’s strength lies in its professional infrastructure. Coaches from It’s Just Football (IJF) work full-time with students on campus, delivering training that aligns with international academy standards. The facilities – including full-sized outdoor pitches, dedicated changing areas, and high-performance strength and conditioning zones – provide an environment built for success.
Support services such as performance nutrition via FITT Meals and sports psychology workshops help shape players holistically. Every aspect of the programme is designed to support the growth of the whole athlete – physically, mentally, and academically.
Football as a Foundation for Life
What truly sets the PFC apart is its ability to shape students beyond sport. Mentorship, leadership roles, and qualifications in coaching and mental health awareness empower students with life skills that extend well beyond the field.
GEMS Wellington Academy - Al Khail isn’t just developing players, it’s building futures. Through the PFC, students experience the discipline, opportunity, and excellence of professional sport while receiving a world-class education.
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