Abu Dhabi Falcons

The concept of an Abu Dhabi club became more realistic following the success of the Dingoes and Heat in Dubai (an hours drive away). The Dingoes and the Heat provided a framework to follow and support for the new club. At the same time, several of those involved had already implemented an Auskick program in Abu Dhabi, which was the half-time feature of the Collingwood vs. Adelaide match earlier in February 2008, and were at least partially aware of the commitment and resources required.

Dubbed the Falcons after Abu Dhabi's favourite pastime Falconry, they contemplated a name-change to the Dockers following a successful attempt to form a sister-club relationship with Fremantle, but have ultimately stuck with their initial and more unique moniker. The bulk of the credit for the new Abu Dhabi club belongs to Jay Mears. Mears organised their first meeting, and things have progressed nicely since with the club having plenty of players and supporters on board. Most of the new club's players competed at a local level back in Australia.

The club welcomes anyone (player or volunteer) who is interested in becoming involved. Apart from Australian ex-pats, a few rugby and Gaelic footballers have signed-on, but no locals. Mears predicts this will change "once people begin to understand the game and see how it's played". Mears' backed up this invite by saying, "we are making it our main focus to welcome all (UAE) nationals to play for us or even just to support (us)".

Club Snapshot

Logo:
City	Abu Dhabi
Club Address	PO Box 33639, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Established	2008
Nickname:	Falcons
Team Photo:
Debut season:	2008
President:	Jay Mears
Coach:	Ben Williams
Phone Contact:	+971509027583
Email Contact:	jay@abudhabifalcons.com
Website:	http://www.abudhabifalcons.com
Facebook:	http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28178000896