Home SportsDesert Vipers Empower 10,000 UAE Students Through Cricket and Sustainability

Desert Vipers Empower 10,000 UAE Students Through Cricket and Sustainability

by Anwesha Sengupta
Students from a UAE school hold cricket kits after a Desert Vipers Schools Programme session

The Desert Vipers Schools Programme has empowered more than 10,000 students across the UAE during the 2024–2025 academic year, combining cricket coaching with sustainability education. From Dubai to Sharjah, this hands-on initiative is transforming how students engage with sport, environmental responsibility, and community values.

Building Future Athletes and Eco Champions in the UAE

The Desert Vipers, a founding franchise of the DP World ILT20 league, delivered interactive sessions to students in schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The programme blends cricket skills with environmental awareness, inspiring students to stay active while understanding their role in building a more sustainable future.

Backed by key partners—Carrefour (Majid Al Futtaim), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Bluewater Group—the programme offered:

  • In-school coaching from September 2024 to June 2025
  • Sustainability-themed giveaways and health activations
  • A new cricket net facility at Uptown International School
  • Long-term grassroots investment in student wellbeing

“These are the stepping stones for the next generation of athletes and sustainability champions,” said Jack Luffman, Head of Development. “We’re building not just skills, but pathways.”

Students from the Desert Vipers Schools Programme hold up signs promoting the 'Choose Better' sustainability campaign in the UAE
Students from the Desert Vipers Schools Programme hold up signs promoting the ‘Choose Better’ sustainability campaign in the UAE

Desert Vipers Development Pathway Expands Globally

A standout result of the programme was seen in the 2025 R66T Cup, where all 50 players in the U13 and U15 squads were recruited through the Schools Programme—proof of the initiative’s effectiveness in identifying and nurturing young talent.

The Desert Vipers also prioritised inclusivity by offering sessions to Heroes of Hope, the UAE’s only sports academy for People of Determination, reinforcing the belief that cricket is a game for all.

With eyes on international growth, the Desert Vipers Schools Programme will expand to the United Kingdom this summer—continuing its commitment to global talent development and cross-cultural exchange.

For partnerships or to enrol your school in Term 1 of 2025/2026, contact:

Media Contact:
📧 Hannah Hall – ha****@*************rs.com

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