Hoops Basketball Academy has brought their love of the sport from the Philippines and are spreading its passion for the game here in the UAE.

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The Dubai-based academy aims to help young players aged four to 18 reach their full potential through skill-based training.

While it welcomes players of all nationalities, Hoops Basketball Academy began in 2013 with influence from the Philippines.

Parents originally from the basketball-loving country recognised there was a need for more structure for the sport in the UAE.

“It started because there were so many couples with children who really loved basketball, so every time we got together in a gym, our children played basketball,” said Hoops Basketball Academy coordinator Cynthia Castillo, whose family moved to the UAE from the Philippines in 2012.

“My children, when we were still in the Philippines, went to a basketball school. So I guess if you really want to have some improvements on your basketball skills, you have to go for some proper training. If you really want to become a good player, you have to work on the basics.”

Hoops Basketball Academy is open to both boys and girls. That’s not necessarily unique for an academy, but rather than dividing the genders, the academy mixes boys and girls to give every player a chance to compete against one another.

A portion of the girls who train with Hoops Basketball Academy include four Indian siblings – an encouraging sign for the growth of female involvement in the sport for Castillo.

“When we see them playing basketball, they’re happy,” she said.

“It’s time for girls to play basketball too and girls are really introducing themselves to the sport.”

Currently, the academy is in the second module of four for the year with 43 students training at the moment.

Training is held every Friday from 10:00 to noon at the sports hall of Al Twar 2, where players work on their shooting, dribbling, defence and teamwork.

At the end of each module, players graduate in a mini hoops festival. Players receive a report card outlining their development, certificate and individual awards, like Most Improved Player.

Parents can also take part in the fun with free throw and 3-point shooting contests to win prizes.

In addition to the training, Hoops Basketball Academy want to provide more regular leagues and competitions.

They held a 3×3 tournament in February and are in the process of organising an under-19 league.

“There’s so many basketball leagues here in Dubai,” Castillo said.

“If I could compare it to the Philippines, even though the Philippines love basketball, everywhere and every corner here has basketball leagues. The sport has a really good market here.”