Abu Dhabi As the Emirates American Football League (EAFL) enters a new season, it promises to be bigger and better than before. Other than an increase in number of teams, EAFL also will expand to other Emirates.
“It’s fantastic that it is catching on in the UAE,” said EAFL general manager Dustin Cherniawski. “We will continue to follow our mantra of creating an authentic football experience for our athletes in a fun, safe, and structured environment. As membership continues to grow towards 500 athletes, we will focus on providing high-quality coaching and giving everyone more playing time this season,” he added.
The men’s league is adding a fifth team – and second in the capital - the Abu Dhabi Scorpions. The Youth League will see the biggest expansion with the Abu Dhabi Scorpions completing their club with teams at Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. Al Ain’s Desert Foxes will also add players at both youth levels and Dubai will see the Sand Vipers club include a junior team.
“It’s great to see the rise in numbers, more importantly at the junior level,” said Cherniawski.
Development programmes
EAFL, which has its presence in three cities – Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai – is also looking at expanding to other cities due to growing interest. A Sharjah-based team has been envisaged since the league’s inception and looks certain to become reality soon.
There are also development programmes starting up in the northern emirates of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
“This season we have special focus on Ajman, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah. We will be starting the development programmes there. They won’t play the league but we will be having exhibition tournaments and help them develop teams for the future,” he said.
The EAFL is also committed in promoting the sport among Emiratis. “We are excited Emiratis are taking keen interest in this sport. The future of the league is in their hands and they will be the ones who will create the next generation of players who can go on to play American football,” Cherniwski said.
Schedule
Public training camp will be held in Abu Dhabi this Friday at Zayed Sports City.B
