GEMS Modern Academy launches premier cricket academy in partnership with JMR Sporting

• ‘Mentors Academy’ designed to support aspiring cricketers aged 6-18 years
• Young athletes have chance to be coached by world-renowned cricket stars
• Specialised cricket coaching and mentoring run alongside regular academics

GEMS Modern Academy, in partnership with UAE-based JMR Sporting, has launched Mentors Academy, a state-of-the-art cricket academy that provides specialised coaching and mentoring to young cricketers aged 6-18 years.

Mentors Academy provides students with a structured cricket coaching programme that runs alongside regular academics through an integrated curriculum. Young cricketers enrolled in the programme will be supported by a host of cricket legends, including Paul Nixon, Michael Vaughan, Chaminda Vaas, Nida Dar, and Virender Sehwag.

Nargish Khambatta, Principal and CEO of GEMS Modern Academy and Senior Vice President – Education at GEMS Education, said: "At Modern, we are committed to nurturing the skills of aspiring cricketers to help them become the shining stars that represent the UAE and India on the global stage. We are thrilled to announce our partnership with JMR Sporting to launch Mentors Academy, a premier institution that has teamed up with legendary figures in the world of cricket, who are bringing their unparalleled expertise to the table. The team of expert resident coaches, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, will provide a unique and comprehensive learning experience to our students and all other students in the UAE. We believe this academy will be a game-changer in their journey toward success."

Jayafar Moidu, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of JMR Sporting, said: “At Mentors Academy, we understand that talent alone is not enough to succeed in the fiercely competitive world of cricket. That’s why we provide comprehensive coaching and mentoring that goes beyond just the technical aspects of the game. Our holistic approach focuses on developing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of our students, empowering them to become well-rounded individuals and successful cricketers. We provide students with the necessary tools to develop their mental strength, focus, speed, endurance, and resilience.”

Mentors Academy is founded on a four-pillar integrated curriculum aimed at transforming athletes into well-rounded individuals who can excel both on and off the field:

The ‘Sporting Skills’ pillar provides the best coaches, training, and equipment to develop athletes’ skills including technical, tactical, physical, mental, and psychological. The ‘Nutrition and Physical Health’ pillar offers tailored nutrition plans, fitness programmes, and guidance on health, safety, injury prevention, and recovery, ensuring athletes perform at their optimal level.

The ‘Mental Fitness’ pillar focuses on building athletes’ mental strength and resilience, helping them handle adversity, manage challenges, and stay motivated through goal-setting, visualisation, and mindfulness. The ‘Holistic Development’ pillar helps athletes become well-rounded individuals by developing life skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Paul Nixon, a seasoned cricketer and mentor at the new academy, said: “I am thrilled to share my knowledge and experience with the young cricketers at Mentors Academy, which strives to create an exceptional environment for them to grow, flourish, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation toward success in cricket and beyond.

“As we nurture talent from a young age, we aim to provide the necessary guidance and support to help them achieve their full potential. I am confident that we can produce world-class cricketers that will put the UAE on the map in terms of international cricketing excellence. I am excited to be a part of this journey, and can't wait to see what the future holds for these talented young athletes.”

Mentors Academy students also benefit from access to 1.5 million square feet of state-of-the-art facilities, which include international standard grounds, football grounds, a gym and fitness centre, a music room, and recreation areas, together with injury prevention, recovery, and rehab tools and techniques.