The new Emirates American Football League season is just a month away and it’s time for the UAE’s NFL enthusiasts to get themselves out on the gridiron.
The NFL itself has just kicked off and the Emirates’ equivalent will be getting underway in the UAE on November 1, with training camps underway this month ahead of the big kick-off.
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The EAFL channels all the noise, energy, and excitement of America’s most popular sport, unifying the many distinct communities of the UAE to create a diverse body of players and fans who share a love for the action, strategy and drama of American football.
The EAFL prides itself on its authenticity, diversity, energy and is also seriously fun, having first emerged in the Gulf in 2012.
The league offers full-contact American football in the UAE for players of all skill levels, from beginner to experienced, aged nine to 30-plus, as well as a number of training sessions, open try-outs and skills camps.
So strap on the pads and give American football a try during October as pre-season training camp kicks off in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. The EAFL welcomes new and returning players to participate in these non-contact sessions.
At these sessions, you can expect to learn the basics of American football (throwing, catching, kicking), improve your speed and agility, increase your physical conditioning and develop lifelong friendships.
With 53 nationalities represented in the league, the EAFL is for everyone.
Last season, over 60 per cent of EAFL members had little or no football experience. And, after training camp, why not join one of the EAFL’s six clubs in one of five age divisions?
These include: PeeWee (8-11), Bantam (12-13), Jr Varsity (14-15), Varsity (16-18) and Men (19+).
“The response from the community has been fantastic since we started in 2012,” said Dustin Cherniawski, the EAFL’s general manager.
“There is a real desire to play American football and we have grown over 30-50 per cent per year since inception. Our membership now boasts 500 athletes across 24 teams.
“People should join the EAFL if they are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience while making a ton of new friends.”
The football season officially kicks off with practices starting on November 1 and games begin on November 27, culminating in the Desert Bowl Championships on March 18.
In its brief history, the EAFL has grown substantially, collecting two bronze awards at the Sports Industry Awards in 2012, including Best Youth Sports Development Program and Best Amateur Sports Program.
What: Pre-Season Training Camp
Where: Zayed Sports City (Abu Dhabi), Dubai Sports City (Dubai), Al Wadi Park (Al Ain)
When: Sundays and Tuesdays until October 27; league season begins November 1
Contact: Visit www.EAFL.ae or email info@eafl.ae