American football in the UAE? It sounds unlikely, but thanks to Dustin Cherniawski, the sport is thriving in a country where football usually means soccer.

Since founding the Emirates American Football League (EAFL) in 2011, Cherniawski has watched the sport grow from a small gathering in a Dubai park into a full-fledged league with hundreds of players.

‘Get as far away from football as possible’

Cherniawski’s journey to founding the EAFL wasn’t planned. In fact, he came to Dubai to leave football behind. After winning the Grey Cup Championship in Canada in 2007, he wanted to focus on his business career.

“I moved to Dubai to get as far away from football as possible,” he admits.

But in 2010, looking to meet new people, Cherniawski stumbled upon a group of guys throwing around a football at Safa Park.

“It wasn’t well organized,” he says, laughing.

“The guys asked me to lead them next time, so I grabbed a whistle and some cones, and that’s how the EAFL started.”

What began as 30 participants quickly grew to 180 in just six months. Cherniawski had inadvertently planted the seed for American football in the UAE.

‘Educate everyone about the sport’

As the league expanded, it became clear that some structure was needed.

“Once we had more than a handful of people, we needed to formalise things. We needed insurance, equipment, a trade license—everything.”

Cherniawski partnered with Sheikh Khaled Al Qasimi to create a company, officially giving birth to the EAFL. But the hardest part wasn’t the logistics—it was raising awareness. American football was virtually unknown in the UAE.

“People didn’t know what we were doing. Even the venues we booked thought we were playing rugby. We had to educate everyone about the sport—from the players to the suppliers.”

‘It really got people’s attention’

Getting the word out about American football in the UAE was no small task. The EAFL team took a hands-on approach, visiting schools and even signing up for local events like the Terry Fox Run.

“We told the guys to put on their helmets and gloves, and we ran the Terry Fox Run in full gear,” Cherniawski says, laughing.

“People thought it was fancy dress until they saw we were serious. It really got people’s attention.”

The league’s visibility grew, with coverage in newspapers, magazines, and on social media. Despite the challenges, the EAFL steadily gained traction, especially among younger players.

“We’re still raising awareness today. One of the most common things we hear is, ‘I didn’t know American football existed in the UAE,’ even from people who have been here for years.”

A Structured League and Growing Teams

Now, the EAFL boasts a well-developed structure that caters to both youth and adults. The league initially included men’s teams, but in 2019, the men’s division split off to form the Emirates Gridiron League (EGL). This allowed the EAFL to focus on youth development, with players ranging from 7 to 17 years old.

In Dubai, teams like the Barracudas, Stallions, and Sand Vipers compete, while in Abu Dhabi, the Wildcats and Scorpions dominate the field. Players are divided into age groups—Peewee (7–9 years), Bantam (10–13 years), and Varsity (14+ years). This structured approach ensures that kids develop their skills in an organised, supportive environment.

‘We start with the basics’

When it comes to developing players, the EAFL follows the USA Football development model.

“We start with the basics—running, catching, throwing—and gradually introduce more physical aspects like blocking and tackling,” Cherniawski says.

With 19 USA Football-certified coaches on board, the league provides specialised training for each skill set. And the results speak for themselves.

“We’re proud to say that about 12 of our players have gone on to play college football, most of them in the NCAA,” Cherniawski shares.

Some have even played for top Division I program, like Arizona State University and Jacksonville University.

‘Far beyond football’

The league organises team-building activities, family barbecues, and even desert safaris to bring players and their families together.

“We’re developing not just football players, but fine young men and women,” Cherniawski says.

The EAFL’s impact extends beyond the field with parents, many of whom were initially skeptical of the sport’s physicality, often end up falling in love with it.

“They’ve made lifelong friendships and formed connections that go far beyond football,” Cherniawski says. “Some have even done business together.”

‘You’re going to see some major changes’

Dustin Cherniawski is optimistic about what’s to come. With plans for more international games and new developments in the UAE’s American football scene, the league shows no signs of slowing down. “There’s a lot happening behind the scenes right now,” he teases. “Over the next six months, you’re going to see some major changes.”

So, if you’re someone who didn’t know American football was thriving in the UAE—now you do!

EAFL are welcoming new members in Dubai & Abu Dhabi – All experience levels aged 6-17 boys & girls.
Contact via Instagram @eafl_uae to sign up for a free try out