Get ready for an exciting new chapter in American football for youth athletes in the UAE! PlayAmericanFootball.ae (PAF) is proud to officially launch its Youth Program in January 2025, offering young players the opportunity to develop their skills, learn the game, and experience the thrill of football in a supportive, professional environment.
PAF, established in October 2023, is an American football organization based in the UAE. The company, (aka E E L American Football Training LLC), is a mainland trade-licensed entity approved by major sports federations including the Dubai Sports Council and General Authority of Sport. PAF is dedicated to growing the sport of American football in the region, providing both youth and adult players with the tools and opportunities to succeed.
Open Youth Camps in November
To kick off the Youth Program, PAF is offering two FREE Youth Camps this November, in Abu Dhabi on November 16th and another in Dubai on November 17th. These camps are a fantastic opportunity for both players and parents to get acquainted with PAF’s coaching staff, explore the fundamentals of the game, and see what the Youth Program has to offer.
During these 1.5-hour camps, players will participate in drills to assess their coordination and skill level, learn basic football techniques, and have fun while getting a taste of what’s to come. The camp is designed to introduce new players to American football, while also giving more experienced athletes the chance to refine their skills before the program official begins in January 2025.
At the end of each camp, there will be a Q&A session for parents to ask any questions they may have about the program, the coaching staff, or the development pathway for their child. PAF is committed to providing a clear, supportive environment where players can thrive and grow both as athletes and individuals.
A Vision for Football Growth in the UAE
Since its founding, PAF has been working to build a strong football community in the UAE. In addition to the upcoming Youth Program, PAF has already made significant strides in the region by offering after-school flag football programs for youth athletes at multiple schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, since January 2024. PAF has also introduced the UAE’s first official adult, co-ed flag football league, which has quickly grown to over 100 active players across the country, and recently hosted the UAE’s first international Men’s and Women’s flag football tournament, which was a huge success.
PAF is led by Eric Hoerl, a seasoned football player and coach with over 30 years of experience. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (USA), Eric has played and coached American football in the German Football League (GFL), the highest level of American football in Europe. Throughout his career, Eric has been passionate about developing youth talent and fostering the growth of American football internationally. From 2014 to 2022, he ran successful football camps and youth programs across Europe, helping countless young athletes excel on and off the field.
Eric’s extensive experience, combined with his network of coaches and connections across Europe and the United States, has shaped the vision for PAF in the UAE. His goal is to bring the same level of success and development to the UAE that he helped create in Europe. By leveraging his connections to coaches, schools, and exchange organizations, PAF aims to provide youth athletes with the opportunity to grow in the sport, connect them with US and Canadian high schools, and potentially earn a scholarship to college.
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow PlayAmericanFootball.ae on social media, including Instagram and Facebook (@playamericanfootball.ae). Regular updates will be posted to keep everyone in the loop about schedules, program details, and any additional announcements.
We are incredibly excited to get started and can’t wait to see players from all across the UAE on the field in January. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting new chapter for American football in the region. We look forward to meeting you at the camps and seeing you in January!
For more details and to sign up for the Open Youth Camps, please fill out the form at the bottom of our Youth Flag page.
Let’s get ready to play! #nextlevel