McDonald’s UAE is widening its Junior Sports Academy. The programme now adds basketball, football and cricket to padel. Sessions run on weekends for eight weeks, led by professional coaches across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
Fees are AED 100 per child. Coaching, equipment and kits are covered. Padel starts 27 September 2025; basketball on 4 October; football and cricket arrive in early 2026. Families can register online at the official page: https://mcduae.com/event/junior-sports-academy.
What’s new in the Academy
The Academy moves beyond padel to include three more team sports. The aim is wider access and a simple sign-up for families in the UAE.
- New sports: basketball, football and cricket
- Age group: 8 to 12 years
- Format: eight-week weekend blocks
- Cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah
- Price: AED 100 registration; the rest is covered
- Sign-up: https://mcduae.com/event/junior-sports-academy
This expansion builds on McDonald’s UAE’s padel programme, which has hosted more than 1,000 kids since 2023. Sessions end with a short award ceremony and certificates to mark progress and effort. The focus stays on skills, confidence and friendly competition.
Key dates, sports and locations
The roll-out is staggered, so parents can plan around school schedules.
- Padel: 27 September to 15 November 2025
- Basketball: 4 October to 22 November 2025
- Football and cricket: early 2026
- Venues span top facilities across the three emirates
Clubs listed include sites on Al Maryah Island and Al Hudayriat Island in Abu Dhabi; multiple Al Quoz venues in Dubai; and facilities in Al Rahmaniya and Maleha Street in Sharjah. Availability is first-come, first-served, with flexible timings to fit weekends in Gulf Standard Time.
How registration works and what’s included
Parents pay a small fee, and the programme handles the rest.
- Cost: AED 100 per child
- Covered: coaching, equipment, and kits
- Duration: eight weekends per sport
- Outcome: a certificate at the end of each block
Every sport follows a simple structure. Coaches lead small groups through drills, teamwork and match play. Equipment is provided. At the end, kids receive certificates that recognise commitment as much as skill. Families can choose venues and time slots to suit their weekend routine.
Why this matters for families in the UAE
Weekend sport makes a difference when school diaries are packed. The Academy lowers the barrier to entry. It helps kids try something new with minimal hassle and cost.
- Accessible cost and kit included
- Multiple locations cut down travel time
- Structured format with a clear start and finish
- Focus on fun, friendships and basics done well
For many parents, the most challenging part is getting started. With venues in three emirates and coaches supplying everything, kids can show up, play, and learn. Confidence grows with routine. Certificates give a tangible milestone without adding pressure.
Who can join the Junior Sports Academy?
Kids aged 8 to 12 can join. Places are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much does it cost, and what do we get?
Registration is AED 100 per child. Coaching, equipment and kits are included for the eight-week block. Each child receives a certificate upon completion.
When do the sessions start?
Padel runs from 27 September to 15 November 2025. Basketball runs from 4 October to 22 November 2025. Football and cricket launch in early 2026.
