Sport at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi: Growing with Purpose
PARNTER CONTENT: In just over two years, sport at Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi has become rooted in a philosophy that balances participation, performance and personal growth.
What began as a growing programme in a young school now feels embedded in daily routines, student culture and community pride. At the heart of this progress is a clear principle: sport for all.
“There isn’t one secret to our success,” says Director of Sport, Callum Brooks. “It starts with passionate teachers. When that passion shows in lessons and training sessions, pupils respond. Parents respond. It becomes part of the culture.”
That culture is built on opportunity rather than exclusivity. While competitive success is celebrated, the school has deliberately avoided becoming too elite too quickly. Instead, pathways have been created so every child can participate – whether for enjoyment, fitness or performance.
Participation without barriers
A typical week reflects that breadth. A, B and C teams compete in ADISSA fixtures. Students travel for BSME competitions. Internal matches ensure that pupils not yet in representative squads still experience competitive sport.
“Sometimes we even organise internal fixtures if other schools can’t field multiple teams,” Brooks explains. “Rather than have a week off, the B team plays the C team. Parents come to watch. It stays competitive. It keeps everyone involved.”
Trusting the process
That inclusive mindset has not limited results. In their first year competing at BSME, one NAS team finished 11th out of 12.
The following year, that same age group returned to claim first place. More recently, the school finished second overall at BSME in Oman, a significant achievement for a young school competing against long-established institutions.
In ADISSA, swimming and netball have emerged as standout sports, with consistent results driven by specialist coaching and commitment.
Yet Brooks is clear: league tables are not the ultimate aim. One phrase underpins the programme: “Trust the process. Results will follow when you commit to the work, stay resilient in the tough moments, and keep pushing forward.”
In simple terms, strong performance does not appear overnight. It grows from doing the right things consistently: showing up to training, refining skills, building teamwork even when results have not yet caught up.
Beyond the scoreboard
That philosophy extends beyond sport. Across the school, there is a shared belief that when the focus remains on what is right for the child, rather than chasing results for their own sake, results tend to follow.
Sport has demonstrated this. Academic outcomes are beginning to reflect the same steady progress.
Resilience, teamwork and pride are recurring themes. Whether competing at BSME or volunteering at events such as the Dubai 7s, students learn to contribute to something larger than themselves. “It’s about competing for the team, not just the individual,” Brooks says.
Discovery and development
The Athlete Development Programme (ADP) further reinforces this inclusive approach. Early in the year, students complete fitness testing designed not for selection but for discovery.
A pupil who has never played for a school team may demonstrate exceptional speed or power. Staff then guide that student towards sports where they can flourish. “Discovery is one of the best parts of working with children in sport,” Brooks explains.
A global network of opportunity
Nord Anglia Education’s global network adds further opportunity. The Middle East Games provide additional competitive pathways, deliberately widening participation by selecting pupils beyond established BSME and ADISSA squads.
The collaboration with IMG Academy brings mindset training, professional development resources and international training opportunities for students aged 13 and above.
Wellbeing at the core
Importantly, this growth has been underpinned by wellbeing. Leadership support ensures there is no win-at-all-costs pressure.
Team selection considers workload and family life. The goal is sustainability and joy in sport.
“We want children to love sport for life,” Brooks says. “If we push too hard too early with children, you risk burnout.”
Building character for life
As NAS Abu Dhabi continues to grow, its sporting identity is becoming clearer. Participation is expanding. Confidence is rising. Pride in representation is visible on and off the field.
Perhaps most significantly, students are learning lessons that extend well beyond competition. They are discovering how to persevere when the scoreline is against them, how to lead with integrity, and how to contribute to a collective goal.
Much of this progress stems from leadership that is quietly strategic and deeply inclusive. Brooks involves students, staff and parents, creating a culture where sport belongs to everyone. It is ambitious, but grounded. Competitive, yet centred on wellbeing.
At NAS Abu Dhabi, sport is not simply about collecting trophies. It is about building character, trusting the process and ensuring every child finds their place and their confidence along the way.
Learn more about the philosophy of sport at NAS Abu Dhabi, visit nordangliaeducation.com/nas-abu-dhabi
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