Sport continues to be a defining part of Repton Dubai\u2019s identity, and the recent Eye on Education episode on Dubai Eye 103.8 captured exactly why. Host Helen Farmer spoke with Head of Sports, Josh Ives, who reflected on how sport builds confidence, resilience and real connection, qualities that shape pupils long after they leave school. Their conversation followed the opening of Repton Dubai\u2019s new Sports Village, a major moment for the school and one of the most impressive sporting developments in the region.<\/p>\n
The new Sports Village features two full-sized 3G rugby and football pitches, a junior field, a 200-metre running track, a 100-metre sprint track and a multi-sport astro-turf with a central cricket square. Pupils also have access to seven-a-side pitches, dedicated areas for athletics, shaded multi-use courts for tennis and netball, padel and pickleball courts, and four cricket nets. Indoors, the upgraded sports halls, refurbished basketball courts, refreshed 25-metre swimming pool and improved spectator seating create a year-round environment that supports every discipline and ability.<\/p>\n
Josh spoke about what this transformation means to pupils on the day to day, from giving them the space to explore the activities they love, to guiding them in communication, teamwork and leadership in a practical, memorable way. He also touched on the emotional side of sport, noting how pupils learn to \u201cwin well and lose well,\u201d and how positive coaching can shape attitudes both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n
During the opening celebrations, global sporting icons Andrea Pirlo, Kak\u00e1, Clarence Seedorf, Marcelo, Miralem Pjani\u0107 and Ciryl Gane spent the morning with Repton pupils, offering guidance, sharing lessons from their careers, and encouraging pupils to stay active, curious and confident in their potential. Their advice reinforced exactly what Josh highlighted: meaningful sporting experiences, paired with the right environment, can help young people grow in profound and lasting ways.<\/p>\n
Watch the full interview below.<\/p>\n