Our Mission
Athletics Academy coaches are strong, positive role models who nurture and inspire young athletes, supporting them in pursuing their passion through high-quality training, in a family-focused environment.
What We Do
Athletics Academy provides specialised track & field athletics, triathlon training, run squads and endurance sessions for children ages 3 – 18; from serious track & field athletes to hardcore triathletes, to those just looking to keep fit.
Social Media
We are passionate about helping children grow and making an impact…
Our Values
Determination: We know how to fail but we never give up…
Grit: We have the desire needed to succeed…
Excellence: We are motivated to be the very best we can be…
Passion: We love what we do…
Our Coaches…
At Athletics Academy, we take pride in our phenomenal team of coaches who are all qualified PE and Primary teachers and hail from across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Their diverse backgrounds in a wide array of sporting disciplines is what makes us who we are.
Samir Yousuf
Founder & Executive Director
My name is Samir Yousuf, and I am the Founder and Executive Director of Athletics Academy. I grew up in London, where track and field was a major part of my life from a very young age. Sprinting became my passion, and I started out in the 100m and 200m before transitioning to the 400m. My personal highlight was representing New Zealand at the Oceania Masters Games in 2008—it was an incredible privilege to wear my country’s colours and compete alongside Track & Field legends.
In the 1990s, Michael Johnson was a huge inspiration for me. His unconventional approach to running posture and technique challenged the norms, and his commitment was undeniable. He inspired me to push beyond boundaries, not just in terms of speed but in thinking differently about the sport. Michael’s focus on the mental and physical side of performance resonated deeply with me and continues to shape the way we approach coaching and mentoring our young athletes at Athletics Academy.
Athletics demands unwavering determination, relentless grit, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. When combined with a true passion for the sport, these values form the foundation of everything we do at Athletics Academy. Since 2015, I have been committed to instilling these values through my incredible coaching team, who work with almost 400 athletes across four locations in Abu Dhabi. I handpick the very best coaches in the UAE in terms of knowledge, skill set, and most importantly, strong pastoral care. It is through their inspiration and dedication that our athletes at Athletics Academy continue to thrive in Track & Field, Triathlon, Middle Distance Running, and Sprint Training.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, push beyond limits, and embrace these values, then join us and see what you’re truly capable of. Have you got what it takes?
Mike Crawford
Managing Director
My name is Michael Crawford and I have been a coach at Athletics Academy since 2022. I grew up in the UK where sport and athletics had a huge importance throughout my childhood, this was where I developed my overall physical fitness but also a number of other skills such as discipline, self-confidence and accountability, qualities I have carried with me still to this day.
Sprinting events have always been my passion, as it is a moment when you work at your maximum and push your body to its limit! I competed in a number of events throughout my adolescence, but the highlight was when I went to Germany to compete and represent Leeds in the 100m and 200m events. My inspiration and lasting memory is sprint legend Usain Bolt, his performance and dominance in the London 2012 Olympic Games is something I will always remember. The way that he broke world records with ease was a historical moment that the whole world will remember and reminisce through his lasting legacy. It was from this moment, that I was inspired to coach and help others reach their full potential.
As the Managing Director and Coach at Athletics Academy, my role involves maintaining regular communication with our coaching team to ensure key messages are clearly passed along, to ensure that every session runs seamlessly and consistently up to Athletics Academy's standard. I also handle the logistical tasks necessary for the growth of the academy, driving initiatives to ensure we remain the number one athletics provider in Abu Dhabi. Celebrating the successes of our athletes and coaches is key to our culture, and I actively manage our social media platforms, sharing highlights from training sessions, events, and athlete achievements to keep our community engaged and motivated. My goal is to continue fostering an environment where excellence thrives, and our athletes and coaches can reach their full potential.
Joanne Yousuf
Administrator
Since co-founding Athletics Academy in 2015, I have been deeply involved in its growth and development, ensuring that we provide the best possible experience for our athletes and their families. Originally from New Zealand, I’ve called Abu Dhabi home for the past 15 years, raising five sons while being part of this incredible academy. As the main administrator, I handle everything from athlete registrations to day-to-day operations, making sure that our programs run smoothly across all four of our locations. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Athletics Academy grow into a thriving community of almost 400 athletes, supported by an incredible team of 15 dedicated coaches.
One of the things I love most about Athletics Academy is how well we function together as a team. From our exceptional coaches to our dedicated Managing Director, Mike, and inspirational Founder & Executive Director, Samir, everyone plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and high-energy environment where our athletes can grow, push their limits, and achieve their goals. I take great pride in providing strong support to our athletes, coaches, and families—ensuring that everything runs smoothly so they can focus on their training, development, and success.
Our success is built on determination, passion, and a shared dedication to excellence - I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.