The UAE’s passion for sport is undeniable – and now, a new initiative, the FutureStep Programme, is set to harness that energy to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders, athletes, and change-makers.
Founded by a team of experts across professional sport, education, and career development — including James Hitchman, who launched FutureProof to help professional athletes transition from sport to business using his extensive background in recruitment, alongside Tom May (co-founder of FutureProof and former England rugby international), and Michael Preston (international sports educator) — FutureStep delivers high-impact, athlete-led learning experiences designed to equip students with the skills they need for the future.
Through a unique blend of fun, activity-based workshops, team challenges, and real-world simulations, FutureStep helps students build confidence, resilience, adaptability, leadership, and career-ready mindsets — all using the power of sport as the vehicle for growth.
A Programme Built by Athletes, Educators and Leaders
What sets FutureStep apart is its people. The programme is supported by a fast-growing network of current and former Sports Directors, Heads of PE, and international education leaders across the UK, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, and Europe — all helping shape the curriculum and ensure it remains relevant, inspiring, and impactful.
Additionally, the programme is powered by a team of Athlete Ambassadors, including Olympians, international coaches, and pro athletes, each committed to giving back to the next generation.
Local Talent Making a Global Impact
Among the growing ambassador team are two local Dubai-based athletes who are helping FutureStep take off across the region:
⚽️ Ben Pringle, a former English professional footballer with over 400 league appearances, including stints with Derby County and Rotherham United, now plays for Precision FC in Dubai.
“I’m excited to be involved with FutureStep and help young students understand the valuable skills that sport teaches. Being part of this gives me a brilliant opportunity to grow myself too as I prepare for life after football,” says Ben.
🏌️♀️ Liv Cooke, a professional golfer, PGA-qualified coach, and fitness specialist, has made Dubai her base after coaching at Emirates Golf Club. Liv is passionate about growing the game of golf, particularly across emerging markets like Thailand and the Gulf, and using sport to inspire all students—not just aspiring athletes—to reach their potential.
“Golf has taught me so many lessons on and off the course, and now I want to share those lessons to help more young people build their confidence, resilience, and ambition,” says Liv.
A Vision for Future-Ready Students
FutureStep’s approach is simple:
- Use sport to teach real-world skills
- Empower students with leadership, teamwork, and resilience
- Support career awareness and transition pathways
- Promote inclusion, confidence, and personal growth for all students, not just athletes
Aligned with both the UAE’s National Agenda for Education and global development goals like UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals, FutureStep represents a bold new direction for sports-based education.
As the programme rolls out across Dubai and other key international hubs, FutureStep is already making waves — with early adopters in the UAE, Southeast Asia embracing its global vision with local impact.
Dubai is just the beginning. The future looks bright.
Get in touch:
James Hitchman- james@wearefuturestep.com
Find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futurestep-programme/
