Empowering Girls in UAE Football!

Banaat FC Academy is a girls-only football academy in Dubai, dedicated exclusively to the development and success of young female athletes.

Mission


To empower young girls in the UAE through football, providing top-tier training and personal development in a supportive, culturally inclusive, and respectful environment, helping them to grow into confident, skilled athletes and leaders.

Vision

To lead a new era of women’s football in the UAE, where every girl has the opportunity to thrive as an athlete, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the sport, while inspiring a new generation of families to proudly support their daughters' journey in football.

What Makes Us Unique

Banaat FC Academy is a girls-only football academy in Dubai, dedicated exclusively to the development and success of young female athletes.

Following the success of our first team, our Academy represents the second phase of our mission to help develop women's football in the UAE.

We are committed to creating a positive environment where every girl can believe in a future in football by nurturing their talents from a young age.

As the only club with an Arabic name, Banaat FC connects with girls in this country who have yet to find a home in an academy.

We are committed to cultural inclusivity and embody the values of the UAE, providing a supportive community for girls from all backgrounds, characterized by respect, acceptance, and a firm stance against discrimination.

Our exceptional coaches, with experience from both the Arab region and Europe, ensure that every girl receives top-tier training and development.

In addition to football training, our players are invited to exclusive Banaat FC events, workshops and celebrity player talks, offering them opportunities to learn and grow beyond the pitch. With a premium, centrally located base in Dubai, we make it easy for families to access our programs.

Joining Banaat FC Academy is more than just joining a football program; it’s about becoming part of a game-changing movement in women’s football in the UAE.

Age Groups

At Banaat FC Academy, we offer programs tailored to girls at various stages of their football journey:

  • Dubai: The Academy is open to girls aged 8 to 18, with specific programs designed for each age group. The final age groups will be determined based on the number of registered players to ensure the best possible training experience for everyone.
  • Abu Dhabi: The Academy will cater to U14, U16, and U18 age groups.

Additionally, all teams will have the unique opportunity to train with the older age groups three times per term, providing them with invaluable experience and exposure to higher levels of play.

Program Structure

During our first term, Banaat FC Academy will focus on providing a unified training experience for all players within each age group. As we progress, we aim to introduce more specialized programs by the second term, including the potential addition of a development team that will focus on honing specific skills for those who need extra attention.

We also prioritize holistic development, offering personal development workshops that cover essential topics like nutrition, team building, cultural understanding and athlete positioning. Our Girls Pathways program is designed to tailor each player's journey, offering exciting future opportunities as they progress through the Academy, onto our first team and beyond.

For our aspiring goalkeepers, we are proud to offer specialized training sessions led by our incredible first team goalkeeper coach. These sessions will be available on a limited basis and will bring together goalkeepers from various age groups to work on their skills in a focused environment.

Competition & Matches

At Banaat FC Academy, we believe that regular competition is essential for player development. All our Academy players will participate in one season-long league within their respective cities (Dubai & AD), along with one tournament and regular friendly matches. To ensure consistent match experience, there will be one match scheduled every week.

  • For Dubai, Banaat FC has committed to playing in the YFL.
  • Dubai & Abu Dhabi teams, will be playing in the Mina Cup.
  • AD league TBA.

Schedules & Commitments

Training Schedule:
  • U14 & Below:
    Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • U16 & U18:
    Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Matchdays:

Most matches will be held on Sundays, with the location to be announced based on the tournaments in each city.

We expect all players to commit fully to their training and match schedules to ensure their development and the success of their teams.

Progression Pathway

At Banaat FC Academy, we are dedicated to the continuous development of our players, helping them reach their full potential. Our Director of Football has unique experience with women’s football in the UAE having been on the coaching staff of the UAE NT U14 and coached several players currently on our first team and the UAE NT. Overseeing both the Academy and the First Team, our Director of Football will be actively coaching certain age groups. Our First Team Head Coach also plays a crucial role in coaching within the Academy, ensuring a seamless transition as players progress through the ranks.

Our coaching team is committed to identifying and nurturing talent, providing players with the best possible opportunities to advance within the club. We also offer access to the club’s player performance partners, ensuring our athletes receive top-level training and care. Players can showcase their talents with a personal highlight reel each season and have access to all recorded match footage. They also receive a player profile on the Banaat FC website, ensuring they are recognized for their achievements. Our mentorship program connects players with regional female footballers and personalities, helping them build confidence and ambition.

As we continue to grow, we are exploring additional pathways to support our players’ aspirations both locally, regionally and beyond.

Family Engagement

At Banaat FC Academy, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community and actively involving families in our journey. We offer various opportunities for parents to engage with the Academy, ensuring they are an integral part of their daughters' football experience.

  • Parent-Coach Meetings: We encourage regular meetings between parents and coaches to discuss player progress, goals, and how best to support their development both on and off the field.
  • Family Days and Social Events: Throughout the year, we host family-friendly events where parents can connect with each other, the coaching staff, and the broader Banaat FC community. These gatherings help strengthen the bonds within our Academy family.
  • Matchday and Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome parents to get involved on matchdays and at various Academy events. Whether it’s helping with logistics, organizing activities, or providing support during tournaments, there are many ways to contribute and be part of the team’s journey.
  • Parent Workshops and Newsletters: Parents receive newsletters on the Academy’s progress, along with invitations to exclusive workshops that provide insights into supporting their daughters’ athletic journey.

Safety & Well-being

At Banaat FC Academy, the safety and well-being of our players are of utmost importance. Our coaching staff is highly experienced in managing the safety and injury prevention needs of both young and professional athletes. They are equipped with the necessary tools to handle urgent situations and ensure that every player receives immediate care when needed.

While we do not provide medical insurance or on-site medical support during training sessions, our partnership with Elite Performance allows our Academy players to access special offers for physiotherapy and other recovery needs, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

Modesty & Cultural Values

At Banaat FC Academy, we are deeply committed to respecting Emirati culture and its values. Our mission is to bring women’s football closer to as many homes as possible, ensuring that all girls feel comfortable and included. To create a welcoming environment, our players dress modestly, allowing more girls to participate within the comfort of their own cultural and personal boundaries.

All girls are required to wear tights under their shorts, ensuring that their legs are covered during both training sessions and matches. This approach allows us to maintain a level of modesty that aligns with our values while promoting cultural inclusivity across the Academy.

Achievements & Testimonials

In just one year, Banaat FC has made a significant impact on women’s football, inspiring the formation of new teams and setting a new standard for club football in the UAE.

With a strong start from our First Team and features in GQ and FIFA, we are now focused on the development of youth football through our Academy.

Our partnerships with top brands like TikTok, Pickl, Al Nasr SC, Ballers and Elite Performance further amplify our ability to create important ties with the women’s game and, more specifically, with our players. We’re thrilled to bring this same energy and ambition to the Academy, offering girls the chance to be part of something truly groundbreaking.

"As the youngest player on the team, I was constantly pushed to step up my game and match the high standards set by my teammates. This challenging environment helped me grow not just as a player, but as a person too. I’m excited to continue developing my skills in the Academy under the same great coaching team. I’m so grateful for the chance to be part of this incredible club."

Lamees Nallwi, Player

"Watching my daughter Lamees play for Banaat FC has been an incredible experience. The club, led by Budreya Faisal, has done wonders in supporting her growth on and off the field. The positive environment and strong team spirit have really boosted her confidence and skills. I’m truly grateful for the impact Banaat FC has had on her development."

Ala Nallwi, Lamees's Father

Trials & Location

Sign up to Banaat FC Academy

To participate, please fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you with exact timings and enrollment details.

For any inquiries, feel free to contact us directly via email , contact form or reach out on WhatsApp
055 243 5500 - WhatsApp only.

Dubai Academy Base: Located on Umm Suqeim Road, inside Ripe Market.

Abu Dhabi Academy Base: Located on ERTH Al Khaleej Al Arabi.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Banaat FC family!