From the bustling neighbourhoods of England, where he first discovered his love for football to playing at Lincoln City academy and then becoming a rising star at Al Qabila FC, Frederick Garcia’s journey is a story of grit, growth, and unshakable ambition. His evolution from humble beginnings to commanding presence on the pitch reflects more than just talent—it’s a testament to his discipline, adaptability, and hunger for constant improvement. Now making waves in Dubai’s dynamic football scene, Frederick is not only honing his craft but also shaping his future with purpose. In this exclusive Spotlight on Talent feature, we sit down with him to explore his path, his experience with Al Qabila, and what fuels his drive for what lies ahead.
Something inside me told me not to give up—to keep fighting for those who believed in me and for the little boy who had this dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Frederick, take us back to the beginning—how did your football journey start?
My football journey began at the age of seven, playing for school teams and displaying a natural flair whenever a ball was at my feet. Coming from a rugby family, I grew up immersed in the sport, which helped me develop a strong athletic foundation and transferable skills that later proved invaluable on the football pitch.
I started playing grassroots football in the UK, and between the ages of 12 and 14, I began to attract attention from several professional clubs. However, due to a lack of confidence at that stage, I often fell short during trials.
At 16, I joined Onside Academy in London, a program designed for talented young players who had the potential but had perhaps been overlooked or released by professional clubs. Onside Academy played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of what it truly means to be a footballer—instilling discipline, a relentless work ethic, and an obsessive passion for the game. Through their showcase matches, I was scouted by several Championship and EFL clubs, leading to trial opportunities.
Eventually, I was offered a place in Lincoln City’s U18 program. This experience was instrumental in my development, providing me with the tools and environment to become the player I am today.
How did you come to join Al Qabila and what has your experience with the club been like so far?
I came across football in Dubai after a difficult few years in the sport, nearly believing that maybe my journey was over. Something inside me told me not to give up—to keep fighting for those who believed in me and for the little boy who had this dream of becoming a professional footballer. I entered the UAE third division, playing for Sporting until January, when I signed my first contract with Al Qabila after showing a great display against them.
This season with them was filled with many ups and downs, but I found my ways to overcome these tough times—through faith, family, and having a good set of lads around me who really push you to be the best you can be. That’s what we did together as players: push each other and fight for each other on and off the pitch. In the end, we finished the season with the fantastic achievement of gaining promotion to the second division. I am truly grateful to the players and staff for this experience and for being part of such a great team.
Dubai has become a hub for international football talent. What do you think makes playing football here so unique?
What makes football in Dubai incredibly unique is the diversity of the league. There are talents from all around the world—South Americans, Africans, Middle Easterners, and Europeans. Many different types of players who express themselves in various ways on the pitch. It brings a different kind of intensity to the league, with so much athleticism and talent from all over, making it a very challenging league to play in.
As you look ahead, what are your personal goals—both short and long term?
Short term – My current contract has ended and I am looking to continue playing professional football in the UAE. As a football player, my goals are what most players want: to have a durable, long, and successful career playing at the highest level possible. Challenging myself in different environments and reaching the heights of my potential. I want to look back in the future and be proud of what I achieved in my career—without regrets—and continue growing as a player and person.
Who is the best player in the world and who inspired the most to become a player?
A player who really inspired me as a kid was Cristiano Ronaldo. For me, it wasn’t just how he performed on the pitch, but also how he carried himself off it. He demonstrates a level of discipline that is unmatched in football. I believe that to reach the heights of your ability, you need to put in the work. It may seem simple, but it’s never easy. It’s the small details that really separate an average player from a great one. And that’s what we should all strive for—not just in football, but in life—being the best versions of ourselves.
Follow Frederick on his journey on Instagram : frederickk_garcia
On behalf of Sports and Gulf, we wish Frederick continued success on his football journey. His ambition and maturity are truly exceptional, and our Spotlight On Talent series proudly amplifies the voices of sports athletes across the Gulf region
