Our school’s netball team recently embarked on an exciting tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), combining competitive matches with cultural experiences and adventure. The tour was a resounding success, offering our players the opportunity to enhance their skills, explore new environments, and build lasting memories.
Overview of the Tour
The UAE, with its warm climate and world-class sports facilities, proved to be an ideal destination for our teams. We visited both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, experiencing the unique cultural and sporting landscapes of each city. The tour was meticulously planned to ensure a balance of netball activities, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Netball Activities
The first netball competition of the tour was a tournament hosted by Capital Netball Club at Abu Dhabi Cricket Sports Hub. All players had to quickly adapt to the climate and the level of netball on show was impressive. The U14 A & U13 A team progressed to the Cup competition with the U13 A team coming away victorious. The U14 B, U13 B and U13 C team competed in the shield competition, with the U14 B team taking second place. In the next round of matches was against Kent College the U14 B team won with confidence. Unfortunately the U14 A & U13 A matches were cancelled due to rain! Ms Low used her social media skills and vast contacts to reach out to other schools to find replacement opposition and Ms Chambers (previous Emanuel Music teacher) came to the rescue and arrange for us to play Jumeirah College, her current school. The pupils were warm and friendly and we were thankful for the experience. In the next set of fixtures we played against competitive teams for Hurricanes netball club and some home support from visiting parents. These were greta fixtures with the U13 A and U14 B team taking the win, U14 A drew and the U13 B & C narrowly lost. In the final round of matches the U14 A & U13 A teams travelled to Brighton College and dominated and the U13 B and U13 C team travelled to SES with mixed results and U14 B to Al Ain ending with a clear win.
The matches were highly competitive, with our team showing determination and resilience. Notable venues included the Dubai Sevens Stadium, which offered top-notch facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. We were impressed that most schools had an external roof and hope that this is something Emanuel will consider in the future to allow us to play all year round come rain or sun!!!
Cultural Experiences
Beyond the netball court, the tour provided numerous opportunities for cultural immersion. We visited iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The Mosque impressed us with its architectural grandeur and cultural significance. Some of the highlights were the mosque’s stunning beauty, both externally and internally, its status as the third largest mosque in the world, and the impressive central hall with an enormous tapestry and suspended chandelier. Yas Water Park provided excitement and thrilling rides for all, with rides that were not for the feint hearted. The 4 x 4 desert safari was incredible with stunning views of the dunes, camel rides, a thrilling ride in jeeps across the sand dunes and a delicious BBQ under the stars. A highlight of the tour was the visit to the creek where pupils took a traditional abra ride down the creek and participate in an “apprenticeship challenge” which enabled them to hone their bargains skills in purchasing gold and species. It was a close fought battle between teams with pupils showing incredible negotiation skills to purchase the items for the least amount of money.
Leisure and Team Bonding
The tour was not just about netball; it was also a chance for team bonding and relaxation. We spent time at Kite Beach, were there was sun castle building and beach rounders, along with some retail therapy. These moments allowed us to unwind and strengthen our team spirit.
The UAE netball tour was a truly enriching experience for our teams. It combined challenging netball matches with exciting cultural and leisure activities, creating lifelong memories for our players. The tour not only improved our netball skills but also fostered teamwork, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for different cultures.