UAE Ministry of Sports Launches Groundbreaking Talent Identification Program with Global Leaders
The UAE Ministry of Sports has launched a pioneering talent discovery initiative through newly formed partnerships with Precision Football and PlayerMaker. This strategic move aims to enhance the national talent identification ecosystem with a particular focus on the UAE School Games and UAE University Games. These competitions—organized by the UAE Sports Federation for the Institutions of School and University Education, in collaboration with the Ministry and other partners—will culminate on April 19–20 (University Games) and during May (School Games).
This program marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s long-term vision of building a world-class athlete pipeline across the Emirates.
Under the new framework:
- Precision Football will lead scouting initiatives in football.
- PlayerMaker will oversee talent discovery across seven additional sports.
Each partner will operate autonomously within their domain, applying advanced technology and methods to drive data-led scouting and athlete evaluations. The initiative will be piloted during the final stages of both the University and School Games, where experienced scouts will conduct qualitative assessments supported by video analysis and wearable technologies to collect quantitative performance data.
Strengthening National Scouting Capabilities
As part of this transformative approach, both providers will deliver custom training workshops ahead of the School Games finals to raise the bar in scouting expertise across the UAE.
“These partnerships represent a crucial step in our effort to professionalize the UAE’s athlete development system,” said 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 tapping into the expertise of leading global talent scouts, we are ensuring that promising young athletes are properly evaluated and nurtured within the national framework.”
Integrating Technology and Scouting: A Modern Approach
Through its alliance with top-tier providers, the Ministry is laying the foundation for a modern, data-driven talent identification model that revolutionizes how youth athletes are scouted and supported across the country.
“We are honored and excited to work alongside the Ministry on this landmark initiative,” said Sonny Cobbs, CEO and Founder of Precision Football. “Being recognized as a leader in athlete development throughout the region is a reflection of the passion and commitment our team brings. We look forward to shaping the next generation of sporting talent across the UAE and contributing to their long-term success.”
Investing in Future Champions
Steve Barrett, VP of Sports Performance at PlayerMaker, added: “We’re thrilled to support the Ministry’s vision in uncovering emerging youth talent in the region. With the help of our expert team—which includes Olympic medalists, national coaches, and elite-level scouts—we’re confident we can help provide valuable insights and elevate the overall capability of the UAE’s talent development system.”
These partnerships mark just the beginning. The Ministry has broader plans to extend scouting programs into academies and competitive leagues, ensuring a nationwide approach to discovering and nurturing athletic excellence.
– V.2 Editorial Team
