It’s that time of the year again! ISD kicked off all four of its academies, i.e., LaLiga Academy, Table Tennis Academy, Padel Academy, and Tennis Academy on September 2, 2024, and it was a full day! The kids were thrilled to meet their coaches and old friends after a long summer break and were excited to train on the field again. The happy faces surely lifted our spirits as well and we were glad to welcome our champions back to our academy.  

A Season of Smiles: Joy Returns to ISD Academies

September 2 marked the start of a new beginning at ISD Dubai Sports City. It was the debut season for Table Tennis Academy and the response was overwhelming. Our LaLiga Academy, Padel Academy, and ProStyle Tennis Academy were filled with smiling faces and fresh motivation to reach new heights of training too. 

Our coaches met the kids on the ground and instantly started bonding with them. It was a day full of energy, laughter, and unforgettable memories as kids, parents, and coaches came together to celebrate. And guess what? That is exactly what ISD is known for. We create a vibrant atmosphere on the ground, which lets players bring out their best selves. We’re glad we lived up to parents’ and kids’ expectations this year too.

LaLiga Academy Dubai 

Our LaLiga Academy is a hit among young football players of the region. This season, we’re expanding. We added a new location at Police Academy Park in Al Sufouh. We want every young football player in Dubai to have access to the LaLiga methodology of training and we’re happy to take our first step in this direction.

“I’m so relieved! This new location is a game-changer for us,” shared one parent, watching her son take his first strides. “The facilities are incredible, and it’s so close to home. I can’t wait to see how he grows here.

This is not it; we also welcomed our new Technical Director, Javier Hernandez, and new Girls’ Head Coach, Daphne Martinez, to help our young girls fulfill their dreams of playing professionally. 

Seeing so many talented young girls on the field today makes me proud. We’re not just here to train them—we’re here to create opportunities and break barriers. Football is for everyone, and I’m thrilled to be leading the girls in this journey.

– Daphne, Girls Head Coach

It was a treat for sore eyes to watch girls play football under the leadership of Daphne. She was quick to instill her love for football in our girls, which was reflected in their motivation levels on the ground.

ISD Table Tennis Academy 

The day also saw the launch of our Table Tennis Academy. Our coaches Yulia Prokhorova and Alexey Liventsov instantly hit off with our high-spirited players in quick, mini-matches to break the ice. These fun-filled sessions filled the air with excitement for the game and intense motivation that was unmatched by anything else! 

This is just the beginning, Table tennis may not be as widely known here, but after today’s turnout, I’m confident that we’ll soon have a strong community of players. The kids were amazing—they picked up the basics so quickly!

– Coach Yulia Prokhorova

Parents were also seen smiling and cheering kids for the technical skills they were developing on day one under the supervision of our talented coaches. 

ISD Padel Academy 

Padel may be a relatively new sport for many, but by the end of the day, the players at ISD Padel Academy felt like old friends. Many kids joined us, leaving the padel courts buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm. Our coaches Jordi Casanova, Rodolfo Schwarz, Dani Moreno, Dani Casanova, and Angelina N made a point to pair up players of different levels, encouraging teamwork and learning from one another.

We’re witnessing the birth of a new generation of padel players, It’s a sport that combines skill, fitness, and fun, and I could see the kids enjoying every moment of it.

– Coach Dani Casanova

The courts echoed with laughter and cheers as children played, parents applauding from the sidelines. Our focus this season was on small class size, so each player can get undivided attention from our coaches and we’re glad to achieve our goals!

ISD Tennis Academy 

At the ISD Tennis Academy, the day wrapped up with matches that showcased not only skill but camaraderie. Our coaches Michael Włodarczyk, Belén Da Luz, Klaudia Wlodarczyk, Divye Chopra, Mehdi Adabi, and Nick Dychenkov paid close attention to each player, offering guidance, but also allowed the kids to encourage one another during drills.

It’s not just about individual success here, We’re teaching these young athletes the importance of supporting their peers. When one of them hits a great shot, the others are just as excited—that’s the kind of spirit we want to cultivate.

– Head Coach Michael

Parents couldn’t help but notice how the players were interacting off the court as well, sitting together during breaks, discussing their matches, and forming friendships. 

“It feels like a community, not just an academy,” one father said. “The kids are all in this together, and that’s something special.”

A Day to Remember 

Our season launch was for sure a day to remember. From the warm-up sessions to the final match of the day, the atmosphere was filled with motivation and enthusiasm. Whether it was parents bonding with other parents or kids making new friends or connecting with new ones, the day was filled with unforgettable moments. 

The coaches’ dedication to fostering a sense of belonging, coupled with the kids’ enthusiasm, set the stage for a season filled with teamwork, friendship, and personal growth. If you’re also planning to become a part of ISD, then registrations are still open. Come join any of your favorite academies at ISD and start training with the best!