About
Syrian foundations, Manchester roots, Dubai future.
The founders
Amer and Bader Al Akkad built Phoenix from Syrian foundations, Manchester roots and a Dubai future. The idea is simple: a player's entire future should not depend on one opportunity.
"A player's entire future should not depend on one opportunity."
Phoenix United FC is a UAE FA licensed football club based in Dubai, built around competitive standards, a proper club culture and a wider international network.
Phoenix Football Network sits alongside the club to connect football, education and pathway conversations — with Radcliffe FC in Greater Manchester and Silves FC in the Algarve.
The Coaches
Every session at Phoenix is led by staff who have lived the professional environment — from Premier League dressing rooms to international tournaments — and know exactly what a club looks for in a player.
A winger who spent his career in the English Championship and Premier League set-up with Sheffield United, Derby County and Nottingham Forest, and won 35 caps for Northern Ireland including Euro 2016. He now runs the daily coaching programme.
An experienced defender with a career spanning Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Burnley. Matt brings the standards and detail of elite English football into Phoenix's daily environment.
Bader sets the sporting standard across the club — squad selection, playing identity and the pathway conversations with partner clubs in England and Portugal. Syrian foundations, Manchester roots, Dubai base.
Partners & Network
