AIS ATHLETICS
AGES & LEVELS
TRACK & FIELD ATHLETICS IN THE UAE
MINI ATHLETICS & FUNDAMENTALS
Children aged 3 - 5 and 5 - 7 years old
Mini Athletics (Ages 3–4)
Mini Athletics is the perfect introduction to sport for our youngest athletes. Through exciting games and imaginative activities, children develop the fundamental movement skills that form the building blocks for every sport. Sessions focus on running, jumping, throwing, balance, coordination and confidence in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Focus: Building confidence, physical literacy and a lifelong love of being active.
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FUNdamentals (Ages 5–7)
FUNdamentals builds on the skills developed in Mini Athletics, introducing children to more structured athletics activities while keeping sessions enjoyable and engaging. Athletes continue to improve their speed, agility, balance and coordination while learning the basic techniques across all areas of athletics.
Focus: Developing strong athletic foundations and all-round physical development.
MIDDLE
DISTANCE
LONG JUMP
SHOT PUT
JAVELIN
Junior and Youth Athletics
Children aged 8 - 13 years old
Run, Jump, Throw
Our Run, Jump, Throw programme introduces athletes to every area of athletics, helping them build a broad range of skills before choosing whether to specialise. Each session includes both track and field events, ensuring balanced development and plenty of variety.
Focus: All-round athletics development across all disciplines.
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Junior: Just Run
Junior Just Run is ideal for young athletes who love running and want to improve their speed and endurance before specialising. Sessions combine sprinting, middle-distance running and fun running-based activities to develop efficient technique and confidence.
Focus: Developing speed, endurance and efficient running technique.
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Junior / Youth Middle Distance
For athletes specialising in events from 600m to 3000m. Sessions develop aerobic endurance, speed endurance, pacing, race tactics and efficient running mechanics to prepare athletes for competition.
Focus: Middle-distance performance.
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Junior / Youth Sprints & Hurdles
Designed for athletes who enjoy sprinting and hurdles, this programme develops acceleration, sprint mechanics, speed endurance and hurdle technique through progressive coaching.
Focus: Sprinting and hurdle development.
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Junior / Youth Jumps
Junior Jumps introduces athletes to the jumping events while developing coordination, power and confidence. Athletes learn the fundamentals of approach running, take-off mechanics and landing techniques in a progressive environment.
Focus: Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump fundamentals.
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Discovery Programme: Junior (Invitation Only)
The Discovery Programme is the first stage of the AIS Talent Pathway. Athletes are invited following coach recommendations, school programmes or competition performances that demonstrate above-average athletic potential. The programme provides additional athletic development alongside their regular training. This is not a replacement for their regular classes but an additional session.
Focus: Speed, movement quality, strength, power and long-term athletic development.
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Rising Potential Programme: Youth (Invitation Only)
The Rising Potential Programme is the second stage of the AIS Talent Pathway. Athletes are invited based on their progress within the Discovery Programme, competition performances or coach assessment. This programme enhances, rather than replaces, an athlete's event-specific coaching. This programme prepares athletes for entry to the competition pathway.
Focus: Athletic performance, strength and conditioning, speed, power, movement efficiency and preparation for higher-level competition.
MIDDLE
DISTANCE
LONG DISTANCE
LONG JUMP
HIGH JUMP
JAVELIN
SHOT PUT
HURDLES
Senior Athletics 14+
Athletes aged 14+ years old
The Competition pathway: This stage is designed for committed athletes who are ready to take their training and performance to the next level. Athletes in the Competition Pathway are expected to train three times per week, including one dedicated Strength & Conditioning (S&C) session, and must meet established entry standards to ensure readiness for this level of training. The focus is on learning to train effectively, with an emphasis on refining event-specific techniques, improving overall athletic development, and building competition confidence. Athletes will regularly participate in local competitions and have opportunities to attend AIS athletics trips, gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment. This pathway supports athletes in developing the discipline, consistency, and technical skills required for long-term success in track and field.
The Performance Pathway: The Performance Pathway is designed for athletes who have progressed beyond foundational training and are now focused on enhancing performance and high-level competition. Entry is based on clear performance standards, and athletes in this group are expected to show commitment, consistency, and a drive to compete at a national level. Training is centred around specialised event development, advanced technical refinement, and tailored strength & conditioning programs. Athletes will follow structured training plans aimed at maximizing performance in their chosen discipline, with ongoing support from coaches to fine-tune competition strategies. This pathway prepares athletes national championships, providing the tools, environment, and mindset needed to reach their full potential.
The Open Pathway: Our Open Pathway welcomes athletes of all abilities who want to enjoy athletics, improve their fitness and continue developing their skills in a supportive environment. Whether training for fun, fitness or personal goals, this programme provides structured coaching without the expectation of regular competition. This pathway does not require entry standards, making it ideal for those seeking a more recreational or social athletics experience. We offer sprints, long distance, throws and jumps in this pathway.
Focus: Participation, enjoyment and personal improvement.
MIDDLE
DISTANCE
LONG DISTANCE
LONG JUMP
HIGH JUMP
JAVELIN
SHOT PUT
