What age can my child start?

Basketball age bands start at 3 with Mini Ballers (3-7) and run up to Elite Ballers (14-18). The free trial is for ages 4-16.

Is there a free trial?

Yes - a free trial session for boys and girls aged 4-16, booked by WhatsApp on +971 56 681 6112.

Where and when are sessions?

Al Nasr Club, Oud Metha: Saturday and Sunday 10-11AM and 11AM-12PM. New Academy School: Tuesday and Friday 5-6PM and 6-7PM, and Saturday and Sunday 1-2PM and 2-3PM. Ask the provider which slot fits your child's age group.

How much does it cost?

Prices are not published. For package prices, email admin@harborsports.ae or call +971 56 681 0211.

Is there competitive play?

Yes - the Harbor In House League gives every player a game every fortnight, whatever their level, and Junior Hoopers (13-16) also play 5v5 games and weekend tournaments.

Is there anything for girls?

Yes - the programmes page lists girls-only basketball and football training, games and girls-only teams. Ask the provider which venue and times they run at.

Harbor Sports Basketball Academy

Ball SportsBasketball

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Oud Metha

Free trial

Ages3+years and up
Where2 branchesOud Metha, Bur DubaiSee on the map
Not publishedAskPrices and times

Book online

Harbor Sports Basketball Academy is the basketball side of Harbor Sports Academy, a youth academy that trains children at Al Nasr Club in Oud Metha and at New Academy School in Mankhool. Basketball is split into age bands: Mini Ballers (3-7) for soft-ball handling, low hoops and story-led games; Intermediate Ballers (8-12) for core skills, teamwork and the rules; Junior Hoopers (13-16) for shooting form, pick-and-rolls, 5v5 games and weekend tournaments; and Elite Ballers (14-18) for position-specific coaching and FIBA-rules training. Every player also gets match time in the Harbor In House League, which plays every fortnight whatever the level. The academy lists girls-only training, holiday camps and private coaching too, and runs football programmes alongside basketball. Free trial sessions are open to boys and girls aged 4-16 and are booked on WhatsApp. On Google, the Al Nasr Club court is rated 4.9 from 37 reviews.

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The activity

Basketball, explained

Basketball for young children starts with ball-handling, dribbling and simple passing, usually with softer balls and lower hoops so early shots actually go in. As kids get older, sessions move on to shooting form, footwork and defending, then team ideas such as positions, set plays and pick-and-rolls. Small-sided and full 5v5 games turn drills into real decisions under pressure. Along the way it builds coordination, fitness, quick thinking and the habit of working with teammates. Many children start at around 3 to 5 in play-based groups, and older children can move on to competitive squads, leagues and tournaments if they catch the bug.

Who it's for

Boys and girls aged 3-18. Mini Ballers (3-7) works on soft-ball handling, rolling and tossing with low hoops; Intermediate Ballers (8-12) covers core skills, teamwork and an introduction to the rules; Junior Hoopers (13-16) moves on to advanced shooting, defence, 5v5 games and weekend tournaments; Elite Ballers (14-18) adds position-specific coaching, FIBA-rules training and tournament preparation. The academy also lists girls-only basketball training and teams, and its fortnightly in-house league is open to every level.

What to expect

Start with a free trial session, open to boys and girls aged 4-16 and booked by WhatsApp message on +971 56 681 6112. Sessions run in one-hour slots: at Al Nasr Club on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and at New Academy School on Tuesday and Friday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For the youngest group, expect soft balls, low hoops and story-driven games such as rescuing the basketball from dragons. The site does not say which slot suits which age group, what to wear or bring, or what happens after the trial - ask the provider when you book.

Highlights

Free trial session for boys and girls aged 4-16, booked via WhatsApp (harborsports.ae)
Two venues: Al Nasr Club, Oud Metha and New Academy School, Mankhool (harborsports.ae/contact)
Four basketball age bands, from Mini Ballers (3-7) to Elite Ballers (14-18) (harborsports.ae/programs)
Harbor In House League every fortnight, so every player gets match time (harborsports.ae)
Girls-only basketball training and teams listed (harborsports.ae/programs)
Al Nasr Club court rated 4.9 on Google from 37 reviews (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

On Google, the Al Nasr Club court is rated 4.9 from 37 reviews: 35 five-star and 2 four-star, with none lower. Testimonials on the academy's own site mention the coaches, the facilities and a coach who pushes players hard with a sense of humour.

The facts

Ages: 3-18
Mini Ballers: 3-7
Intermediate Ballers: 8-12
Junior Hoopers: 13-16
Elite Ballers: 14-18
Free trial: 4-16
(harborsports.ae/programs)
Prices: Not published - email [email protected] or call +971 56 681 0211 for package prices (harborsports.ae/programs)
Schedule: Al Nasr Club, Oud Metha: Saturday and Sunday 10-11AM and 11AM-12PM. New Academy School: Tuesday and Friday 5-6PM and 6-7PM. New Academy School, Mankhool: Saturday and Sunday 1-2PM and 2-3PM (harborsports.ae)
Trial: Free trial session for boys and girls aged 4-16, booked via WhatsApp (harborsports.ae)
Where: Al Nasr Club basketball court, Oud Metha, Dubai
How to book: wa.me/971566816112 · +971 56 681 0211 · [email protected]

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Sessions Saturday and Sunday, 10-11AM and 11AM-12PM (harborsports.ae)
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet, seating and car park (Google listing)
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilet, seating and car park at the Al Nasr court (Google listing)
Mini Ballers (3-7) uses low hoops and soft balls (harborsports.ae/programs)
Holiday and mid-term camps and private coaching are also offered (harborsports.ae/about-us)
Prices are not published - email [email protected] or call +971 56 681 0211 (harborsports.ae/programs)