One team is making waves in this unique yet fast-growing arena of Underwater Hockey: the Abu Dhabi Ducks.

Founded by Lewis Cocks, a UK expat, the Ducks have quickly established themselves as a significant force in underwater hockey in the UAE.

Cocks’ journey in underwater hockey began during his university years in the UK, playing for Plymouth University. After moving to Saudi Arabia in 2013 and spending six years without access to the sport, his passion reignited when he discovered a team in Dubai. The idea to start his own team in Abu Dhabi took root after an ankle injury sidelined him from football, his other sporting passion. In 2019, upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi to work as a curator at the National Aquarium, the foundation of what would become the Abu Dhabi Ducks began to take shape.

The Early Days: Building the Team

The initial challenge in starting the Abu Dhabi Ducks was finding players. Cocks cleverly tapped into his network of colleagues at the aquarium, many of whom were already comfortable in the water.

“It wasn’t hard to convince people to try it”

“It wasn’t hard to convince people to try it,” Cocks recalls. With the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 limiting access to large public pools, the team initially trained in a small pool at Cocks’ residential compound. From these humble beginnings, the Abu Dhabi Ducks slowly began to grow.

One of the key moments in the development of the team came when Malcolm Phillips, a former national player for both South Africa and Canada, joined the Ducks as head coach. Phillips’ expertise and coaching expertise helped raise the technical level of the team, accelerating their progress. By 2021, the Ducks had grown into a squad of over 20 players, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s development in the capital.

Underwater hockey in the UAE is still in its infancy, with only two established teams: the Abu Dhabi Ducks and their rivals, the Dubai Pirates. These two teams form the backbone of the UAE’s underwater hockey scene, regularly facing off in local competitions. One of the key events on the calendar is the Bedouin Cup, a championship series between the two teams. The competition structure has grown to include A and B teams, offering a wider range of players an opportunity to compete.

However, the Ducks have bigger ambitions. Cocks and his team are working to expand the sport by inviting players from other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and North Africa, to participate in local events. They are also planning to host a large international tournament in Abu Dhabi in 2025, which could mark a significant step forward for underwater hockey in the region.

Challenges and Growth Opportunities

Despite their progress, the Abu Dhabi Ducks face several challenges as they seek to grow the sport. One of the most pressing issues is managing their expanding player base.

“Once you go over 20 players in a session, it gets crowded,” Cocks explains. With limited pool time, accommodating more players while maintaining high-quality training is a logistical hurdle the team is actively working to overcome.

Another major goal for the Ducks is recruiting younger players. They are currently exploring ways to introduce underwater hockey into local schools, which could provide a steady stream of talent and help build a sustainable future for the sport in Abu Dhabi. Their partnership with the Abu Dhabi Aquatics Club has been instrumental in providing pool time and sponsorship opportunities, but much work remains to be done to ensure the sport’s longevity.

‘That was the start of Abu Dhabi hockey’

One of the most significant moments for the Abu Dhabi Ducks was their first match against the Dubai Pirates. Although the Ducks lost 12-1, it marked a major achievement:

Cocks had successfully built a team capable of competing. “That was the start of Abu Dhabi hockey,” he says.

“It was another special match”

Victory eventually came when the Ducks defeated the Pirates after recruiting several experienced players in 2021. “It was another special match,” Cocks says. The team’s growth culminated later that year when they hosted their first tournament in Abu Dhabi, a milestone covered by the national media.

Beyond these matches, the Ducks have also seen individuals progress on an international stage. In 2023, players from the Ducks represented the UAE in international underwater hockey competitions, marking a new chapter in the sport’s development in the country.

‘People support clubs they trust’

When asked what advice he would give to someone looking to start their own underwater hockey club, Cocks highlights the importance of having a co-founder or partner.

“When you want to start a new club, it’s important to have two of you”

Having a partner can help with the workload, especially during the early stages when things can get hectic.

Transparency and community involvement are also crucial, according to Cocks. Being clear about how funds are used and involving the community in decision-making can help build trust and ensure the club’s long-term success. “People support clubs they trust and feel involved with,” he notes.

Cocks’ leadership style, shaped by his experience managing a team of 29 people at the National Aquarium, has been another key factor in the Ducks’ success. His charisma and ability to make decisions for a large group have helped him guide the team through its formative years, building a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead

As the Abu Dhabi Ducks continue to grow, the future of underwater hockey in the UAE looks promising. With plans to expand into schools, host international tournaments, and recruit new players, Cocks and his team are paving the way for the sport’s development in the region. While challenges remain, the Ducks’ rapid progress shows that underwater hockey is not just a niche sport—it’s a community, one that’s ready to make an even bigger splash in the coming years.

With the 2025 tournament on the horizon, the Abu Dhabi Ducks are positioning themselves not only as a local powerhouse but also as ambassadors for underwater hockey in the Middle East.