Football is more than just a game for the Wolfhounds Football Club in Abu Dhabi. It’s about creating a sense of community, building friendships, and offering a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to come together.

For Declan Garrett, the chairman of the Wolfhounds Football Club, this approach is at the core of their mission. In a recent interview with Gamaliel Torres, Garrett shared how the club has grown, the challenges it faces, and the values that keep it going.

The club began as a small, social football group and has since grown into a well-structured organisation with multiple teams, regular training sessions, and a loyal membership base. Yet, as Garrett explained, it’s not just about the logistics of running a football club but about understanding the social needs of its members. In a fast-paced city like Abu Dhabi, where many people arrive without established networks, the Wolfhounds provide more than just a place to play sports — they offer a community.

‘Understanding which players fit where’

As September rolls around, the Wolfhounds Football Club enters its busiest time of the year, preparing for the new league season, which usually starts in late September or early October. “It’s very busy this time of year,” Garrett explained.

“We’ve had a lot of players leave over the summer, and many new ones have joined. It’s about organising the teams and understanding which players fit where.”

The club currently has three teams: an A team, B team, and a veterans (over-35) team. Though there’s an age division, flexibility allows older players to compete with younger teams if their fitness and skill level match. As Garrett noted, organising these teams is just one part of the puzzle. The club also has to secure sponsorships, pay fees, and design new kits.

“Behind the scenes, there’s a lot going on,” Garrett said. After hosting their annual tournament and a sponsor event, the club now shifts focus to finalising dates for future events and getting everything in place before the season kicks off.

Declan Garrett (left) – Chairman of Abu Dhabi Wolfhounds FC with Ross Taheny (right), Club Captain

‘Looking for something to play’

Garrett’s journey with the Wolfhounds began eight years ago when he arrived in Abu Dhabi looking for social football.

“I was just looking for something to play, but also to meet new people,” he recalled. He joined a group that played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium. While the games were social, there was a competitive edge, and Garrett quickly found himself becoming more involved. Over time, he played for the B team, later becoming a player-manager, and eventually took on a leadership role. Now, as chairman, Garrett has transitioned from playing to overseeing the club’s operations.

“I don’t play as much football anymore,” Garrett admitted with a laugh, “I enjoy playing paddle now.” While his focus has shifted, Garrett’s involvement in the club remains strong, driven by a desire to create a space where people can connect and enjoy football in a supportive environment.

‘Doesn’t have to be about football’

The Wolfhounds’ philosophy revolves around building a sense of community as much as it does around competition.

“For us, it’s about creating a social, competitive environment where people can play football at a level they’re comfortable with,” Garrett said.

While the club competes in local leagues and strives to win, its priority is offering newcomers a chance to make friends and feel part of something bigger than themselves.

The club also values inclusivity. Over the past few years, they have been working to revive interest in their women’s team, transitioning from a professional focus to a more social and community-driven approach. “It’s been slow,” Garrett acknowledged, referring to the difficulty in finding consistent players and organising schedules. Despite these challenges, the club is committed to establishing a stronger women’s team, with hopes for more regular training and matches in the near future.

Training at the Wolfhounds presents its own set of challenges. Many players are involved in other sports, such as Gaelic football or gym-based activities, and Garrett is mindful of the risk of overtraining. “We’re always aware that players need recovery time,” Garrett explained. “Overtraining can lead to reduced performance and injuries.”

The club strikes a balance by keeping training flexible. While they encourage attendance, they also understand that some players may miss sessions due to other commitments. Garrett emphasised that the club never pressures players to prioritise football over other sports, instead focusing on maintaining their overall well-being. A recent training session even took the players to the beach for volleyball, adding an element of fun to their routine.

“Sometimes training doesn’t have to be about football,” Garrett said. “It’s about keeping things enjoyable, so people stay engaged.”

‘Giving people a platform’

As the club looks to the future, one of its key goals is to establish a youth program.

“We’d love to have a youth setup,” Garrett shared. The idea is still in its early stages, but it aligns with the club’s philosophy of offering opportunities to players of all ages and skill levels. While starting a youth team would require significant resources and time, it’s a goal the club hopes to pursue in the coming years.

For Garrett and the Wolfhounds, football is more than just winning matches. It’s about creating a space where people can connect, build relationships, and find a sense of belonging in a city where many people arrive without a built-in support network. “We’re about giving people a platform to play football, meet new people, and socialise in a non-pressurized environment,” Garrett said.

By sticking to this vision, the Wolfhounds Football Club has not only endured the challenges of the past decade but has emerged stronger. As they continue to grow, they remain committed to welcoming new players and nurturing their unique community spirit.