Finding Your Community, in an MDX Sports Team

Higher education is frequently associated with countless hours of studying, research, and lectures. However, the student experience at Middlesex University Dubai includes a robust sports culture that adds a distinctive and exciting aspect. While working towards your academic objectives, being part of a sports team allows you to keep your body active, meet new people, and perhaps even compete on behalf of the University team.

At Middlesex University Dubai, the commitment to sports knows no bounds. MDX take pride in providing a wide range of sports clubs and teams, both women's and men's, to cater to all interests and skill levels. These 11 sports include football, volleyball, basketball, netball, cricket, table tennis, rugby, athletics, yoga, martial arts, and badminton.

Several questions inevitably surface when pondering the prospect of joining a university sports team. One crucial query revolves around balancing academic commitments, class attendance, and the demands of rigorous sports participation.

Layana, a dedicated volleyball team member, spoke to us about how she manages to create this balance: “The sports activities happen after university hours, so I prioritise studying before that. It's easy to balance both as long as you've got proper time management skills. Planning my day, setting study goals, and staying organised is key to juggling academics and sports effectively. It's a great opportunity to improve teamwork skills and make new friends, especially if you're passionate about or interested in a sport. Being part of a team is about growth, both personally and athletically. It's a rewarding journey."

Meanwhile, Maria, a dedicated football team member, shares her perspective on why you should consider joining a sports team at MDX. Maria says it's a rewarding journey, offering opportunities to enhance teamwork skills and make new friends. Whether passionate about a specific sport or simply interested in exploring, the experience provides personal and athletic growth: “I've been passionate about sports since a young age, so seeing how many sports teams we had here encouraged me to join football. It's excellent. Everyone is welcoming, and team bonding is valued. We all encourage and support each other.”

Maria's insights highlight the essential and enriching experience of being part of a sports team at Middlesex University Dubai. She believes that joining a sports team is a gateway to improving vital skills such as teamwork, which is highly prized in academic and professional settings. Being part of a sports team is not just about the game; it's about forging lasting friendships. Whether deeply passionate about a specific sport or simply curious to explore, joining a sports team at MDX is an exciting avenue for personal growth, challenging yourself, pushing boundaries, or discovering untapped potential.

Next, we spoke with Joshua, the second-highest scoring cricket batsman in MDX history. Joshua's journey to sporting success was shaped by the MDX coaching duo Rehan and Rizwan. The coaches stood by the team, motivating and guiding them to consistently push boundaries and give their all, regardless of circumstantial factors. Joshua's personal growth and the team's performance can be attributed to the trust and support of these dedicated coaches.

As captain of the cricket team, Joshua leads humbly, uniting everyone on the field. Every player is vital, and maintaining a collective spirit during challenging moments elevates the team: 
“Personally, being captain isn't a big deal; yes, people look up to you in heated or stressful moments for inspiration, but it's nothing that big, just showing everyone that we are playing together. No one is bigger than the other person. Keeping everyone on the same level in the game and supporting everyone helps take a team out of a bad situation, and those pivotal moments help any group become a great team.”

Off the field, he encourages team members to unwind, indulge in hobbies, and build bonds unrelated to cricket. Life as a student-athlete should include moments of enjoyment and connection independent of sporting commitments or academic commitments.

In the world of athletics at Middlesex University Dubai, there's a place for everyone, regardless of your skill level. The Athletics Team is not just a group of athletes; it's a welcoming community where fitness enthusiasts can come to improve their skills. Coach Farhan and his team are dedicated to nurturing talent, whether you're an experienced athlete or just taking your first steps on the track. Coach Farhan said:

“The athletics team is a team that supports all skill levels; if you want to improve your fitness, you are always welcome to join the athletics team. You will be put through basics whether you're experienced or not, and loads of athletes still learn for 5-6 weeks.”

The Athletics Team has an exciting calendar in November, with three significant competitions in the spotlight. These include the Amity Athletics League, a challenging 3km race, and the Dubai Women's Run 3km. They're also participating in charity runs for the Dubai Fitness Challenge. The team's goal, as expressed by Coach Farhan, is to aim for victory in these events. They're determined to showcase their prowess, bring their A-game, and take home the championship titles.

Coach Farhan shared a memorable coaching experience that reflects the Athletics Team's unwavering spirit. In the final competition of the previous season, despite being up against teams with more athletes, they faced numerous challenges head-on. Their competitors underestimated them, thinking victory was assured. But the MDX Athletics Team surprised everyone with their sheer competitiveness and clinched the win. This story illustrates the incredible persistence, determination, and confidence that Coach Farhan admires in his team, and it's a source of immense pride for all involved.

Middlesex University Dubai offers students a well-rounded personal growth and development journey. Whether you are a dedicated athlete looking to hone your skills or simply curious to explore the world of sports, MDX provides a nurturing environment where you can push your boundaries, make lifelong friends, and learn invaluable teamwork and time management lessons. The stories of Layana, Maria, and Joshua, along with the dedication of Coach Farhan and the other coaches, exemplify the unwavering spirit and determination that define the MDX community. It's where champions are born and forged through hard work, passion, and the unshakable support of a university that values academic and athletic pursuits. Join the MDX sports community and embark on a journey of personal and athletic growth that will last a lifetime.

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If you are interested in joining the Middlesex University Dubai sports community, don't hesitate to visit The MDX Gym on the 3rd Floor of Block 15 or the Student Activities Office in the Social Hub. You can meet with our dedicated coaches there, including Coach Sasa, Coach Slakvo, and Coach Farhan. They will happily provide you with all the essential information about our sports teams, practice schedules, and team dynamics.

The practice sessions are conveniently scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., ensuring they do not overlap with your class timings, making it easier to balance your academic commitments and passion for sports. So, if you're eager to embark on this exciting journey of personal and athletic growth, our doors are always open, and our coaches are here to guide you in every step of the way.