COMPETITIVE SPORT

The BIS Abu Dhabi Team Falcon Sports programme is built on the foundation of inclusive excellence, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to enjoy, develop, and achieve in sport, regardless of their ability or experience.

We are proud to offer a broad and accessible sports programme that caters to students from Year 3 through to Year 13. Our extensive range of sports clubs runs daily from 3:00 to 4:00pm, with additional opportunities available before school and during lunchtime. From Under 9s to Under 19s, students participate in age-appropriate coaching, skill development, and competition.

Competitive Pathways and Major Events

For students with a passion and aptitude for sport, we offer a thriving competitive pathway. Selected students represent the school in local leagues and regional competitions across a wide variety of sports. We also take part in major external tournaments and events, including the BSME Games, Jr. NBA, Dubai 7s, and various invitational competitions across the region. These opportunities allow students to challenge themselves, experience the excitement of competition, and develop resilience, teamwork, and pride in representing Team Falcon.

Sport Beyond the Field

Beyond the pitch or court, our sports programme plays a vital role in building essential life skills such as communication, leadership, respect, and commitment. We actively encourage students to explore their sporting passions both within and beyond school by promoting links with reputable external sports clubs and academies across Abu Dhabi.

At our school, sport is for everyone. Whether a student dreams of elite competition or simply wants to enjoy being active with friends, our comprehensive approach ensures that all students feel supported, valued, and inspired to thrive, both on and off the field.

BSME Games - British Schools in the Middle East 

BIS Abu Dhabi is proud to be an active member of the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) — one of the leading educational organisations in the region. Through this membership, our students have the opportunity to compete in the prestigious BSME Games, one of the most respected and competitive school sporting events in the world.

The BSME Games bring together outstanding young athletes from British international schools across the Middle East, providing a platform for students to compete at an elite level while fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and cultural exchange.

We regularly participates in the BSME Games across a wide range of sports and age groups, including:

• Under 11: Boys Basketball, Boys Football, Girls Football, Boys and Girls Athletics, Girls Netball, and Swimming
• Under 13 & Under 15: Boys Football, Girls Football, Boys Volleyball, Girls Netball, Boys and Girls Athletics
• Under 19: Boys Football, Girls Football, Boys Volleyball, and Girls Netball

Our recent performances at the BSME Games have been exceptional, with BIS Abu Dhabi students consistently achieving success and representing the school with pride. We are also honoured to be a regular host of BSME competitions, welcoming schools from across the region to our campus and providing world-class sporting experiences for our students.

The BSME Games offer more than just competition, they help develop resilience, confidence, and leadership, empowering our students to perform at their best on the international stage.

ADISSA – Abu Dhabi International Schools Sports Association

BIS Abu Dhabi is a proud member of the Abu Dhabi International Schools Sports Association (ADISSA), the official organisation for inter-school sport among international schools in Abu Dhabi. ADISSA provides a well-structured, competitive environment where students can represent their school, develop their sporting ability, and experience the excitement of organised competition.

Through participation in ADISSA leagues, tournaments, and festivals, our students build not only physical skills but also essential life qualities such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. ADISSA plays a vital role in promoting participation, inclusion, and pride in representing Team Falcon.

ADISSA Age Groups

ADISSA competitions are organised by age group to ensure fair and age-appropriate participation:

• Under 9 – Years 3 & 4
• Under 11 – Years 5 & 6
• Under 13 – Students aged 11 or under on 31st August 2025
• Under 15 – Students aged 13 or under on 31st August 2025
• Under 19 – Students aged 15 or under on 31st August 2025

Our Commitment to ADISSA Sport

We are committed to providing as many students as possible with the opportunity to compete. We proudly enter as many teams as possible in the seasonal ADISSA leagues at every age group, ensuring that students of all abilities can experience the benefits of competitive sport. This inclusive approach reflects our belief that sport is for everyone, whether students are aspiring elite athletes or simply looking to enjoy representing their school.

Jr. NBA

Our school is proud to participate in the Jr. NBA, a global youth basketball programme run by the National Basketball Association (NBA) that promotes skill development, teamwork, and a passion for basketball. The Jr. NBA provides our students with the chance to experience NBA-style competition and represent their school at a high level.

Currently, BIS Abu Dhabi fields teams in the Under 12 and Under 14 categories. In 2025, we won the title of Under 14 Boys Champions, reflecting the dedication, skill, and hard work of our players and coaches.

The Jr. NBA now also introduced an Under 16 category, offering further opportunities for our students to develop their basketball skills and compete at an advanced level as part of Team Falcon.

Beyond competition, the Jr. NBA programme emphasises core values such as sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork, helping our students grow as athletes and as individuals.

Dubai 7s Rugby Tournament

BIS Abu Dhabi proudly participates in the Dubai 7s, one of the largest and most prestigious rugby tournaments in the region. This dynamic event brings together top school teams from across the UAE and beyond, offering our students a highly competitive and exhilarating rugby experience.

By competing in the Dubai 7s, our rugby teams gain valuable exposure to high-level competition, develop their skills under pressure, and build teamwork and resilience. Participation in this renowned tournament reflects our commitment to providing elite sporting opportunities alongside inclusive development pathways.

Through events like the Dubai 7s, Team Falcon continues to grow its reputation as a strong contender in regional rugby, inspiring players to achieve their best on and off the field.

Fair and Supportive Team Selection

At BIS Abu Dhabi, the Physical Education Department is committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive team selection process for BSME Games and other competitive events. We aim to select students who demonstrate not only strong skills but also the right attitude, commitment, and sportsmanship that reflect the values of Team Falcon.

Our selection criteria include:

• The level of skills and performance demonstrated by the student
• The student’s ability to contribute positively as a member of a team
• The student’s attitude and behaviour on and off the field
• Age eligibility in line with BSME requirements
• Commitment to training sessions and team meetings

We believe in involving students in the selection process by encouraging open feedback and discussions about their performance and areas for improvement. Our experienced coaching staff, many of whom have competed professionally and internationally, understand the importance of meaningful communication and mentorship. They work closely with students to support their development both as athletes and as individuals, ensuring decisions are thoughtful and supportive.