Abu Dhabi: GEMS American Academy and Zayed Al Khair School won the boys’ and girls’ under-19 football titles in the second edition of the Abu Dhabi School Sports Cup, which concluded recently.

The competition, organised by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), saw the participation of over 8,000 students from 200 Abu Dhabi schools and a number of universities.

Following action-packed finals at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub in Khalifa City, GEMS American Academy ran out 3-0 winners against Al Andalus Private Academy in the girls’ under-19 category, while Zayed Al Khair School won the boys’ competition courtesy of an 8-1 victory over Al Nahda National Boys School.

Improving physical health

In the under-13 category, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi beat Brighton College Abu Dhabi 1-0 in the girls’ final, while International Community School won the boys’ title after defeating Nahda National Boys School 2-0.

In the U17 category finals, Raha International School — Gardens Campus lifted the girls’ trophy after edging out Abu Dhabi International Private School 1-0, while Khalifa Bin Zayed School won the boys’ tournament, defeating International School of Choueifat (Mushrif) 1-0.

In a statement, the Adek said Abu Dhabi Schools Sports Cup aims to raise activity levels and improve physical health in the school community. It embraces values like sportsmanship, collaboration, resilience and leadership.

New tournaments

For its second edition, Adek has also expanded the Abu Dhabi Schools Sports Cup with the introduction of boys’ and girls’ futsal tournaments for Under 9 (U9) and Under 11 (U11) age categories. More than 250 boys’ and girls’ teams took part in the futsal tournament, with the top 80 teams across the four categories qualifying for the playoffs.

In the U9 category, Repton School beat Cranleigh Abu Dhabi 2-1 to claim the girls’ title, while a tight-contest saw Raha International School — Khalifa City Campus beat New Mezyad for the boys’ title on penalties. Brighton College (Bloom Gardens) girls secured the title on penalties against Cranleigh Abu Dhabi in the under-11 final, while SABIS International School- Yas Island beat Al Azm School also on penalties to emerge a deserving boys’ title winners.

University games

Designed to celebrate university sports, the inaugural University Games 2023 saw more than 478 male and female players compete in dedicated basketball, football and volleyball tournaments. With female events taking place at Zayed University and male events at New York University Abu Dhabi, teams competed to win their individual as well as the overall trophies.

In the female category, UAEU emerged victorious in both football and basketball, while New York University Abu Dhabi clinched top spot in volleyball. The male category was equally thrilling, with New York University Abu Dhabi winning in basketball, and UAE University taking top honours in volleyball and football. UAE University cliched the overall University Games title.

Coach the Coaches

For the second year, Adek also organised its Coach the Coaches programme to provide physical education teachers with the opportunity to take part in futsal and football coaching. A total of 223 Abu Dhabi-based teachers took part in this in-person training series, which equipped them with the foundational skills to prepare their teams ahead of Abu Dhabi Schools Sports Cup.