The UAE Ministry of Sports unveiled two new strategic partnerships with Precision Football and PlayerMaker, aimed at enhancing the UAE talent identification ecosystem through the UAE School Games and UAE University Games. Organized by the UAE Sports Federation for the Institutions of School and University Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and various partners, the University Games will conclude on April 19 and 20, while the School Games will wrap up their competitions in May.
This initiative represents a major milestone in the Ministry’s long-term vision to establish a world-class pipeline for identifying prominent athletes across the UAE, according to a statement.
Under these partnerships, Precision Football will spearhead scouting operations for football, while PlayerMaker will manage talent identification across seven additional sports. Each organization will operate independently within their respective domains, leveraging their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technology to facilitate data-driven scouting and athlete evaluation. These partnerships will be piloted during the upcoming finals of the UAE University Games and UAE School Games. Experienced scouts will conduct qualitative evaluations of potential talents, supported by competition video recordings and professional wearables to gather quantitative data for further analysis.
Enhancing scouting expertise in the UAE
To elevate the level of scouting expertise across the UAE sports landscape, the providers will conduct tailored educational and practical workshops prior to the commencement of the School Games finals.
“The partnerships are a critical step forward in our mission to professionalize the talent development system in the UAE,” stated H.E. Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum, secretary general of the UAE Sports Federation for the Institutions of School and University Education and chairperson of the UAE Committee for Talent & National Sports Support. “By collaborating with leading global scouting providers, we are ensuring that young athletes across the country are recognized, assessed, and given a pathway to develop their potential within the national sports system.”
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Modern, data-led approach to scouting
By partnering with specialized providers, the Ministry is establishing the groundwork for a modern, data-led approach to scouting. This initiative will not only enhance the current methods of talent identification but also revolutionize how the next generation of athletes is supported and developed nationwide.
“We are truly honored and excited to partner with the UAE Ministry of Sports on this landmark initiative,” said Sonny Cobbs, founder and CEO of Precision Football. “To be recognized as one of the leading development programs in the region is both humbling and a testament to the hard work and passion we bring to developing young athletes, both male and female of all ages. At Precision Football, we are proud to be at the forefront of the industry and remain deeply committed to nurturing the future stars of tomorrow. Through this collaboration, we look forward to playing a key role in shaping the next generation of talent and ensuring long-term success for many years to come.”
Commitment to youth athlete development
Steve Barrett, VP of Sports Performance at PlayerMaker, expressed, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Ministry of Sport and look forward to supporting them in their vision to identify talented youth athletes in the region. Our extended team, comprising Olympic champions, national team coaches, scouts, and experts in talent identification, will enable us to provide expert insights for the Ministry.”
These partnerships signify the beginning of a broader rollout, with plans to expand scouting efforts across academies and other competitive environments, ensuring a comprehensive, ecosystem-wide approach to talent identification in the UAE.
