Grab the family and get ready for an all-new experience at The Flying DAF

A brand new high-performance squash academy has officially launched in Dubai with the mission of growing the grassroots game and providing expert tuition for players.

The Flying DAF is an elite-level squash facility, for all ages, offering court hire, group classes, semi-private, and private lessons, kids clinics and tournament play, run by former USA champion and world number 22, Kanzy El Dafrawy.

Located at the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, The Flying DAF Squash Academy has five courts nestled among the hotel beachfront facilities, where five full-time coaches will lead a variety of squash-based fitness and technical classes in group or private formats, for anyone over the age of five.

Founded by Egyptian national Kanzy El Dafrawy, The Flying DAF is built on three main pillars - professionalism, community and world-class coaching - and will provide elite training plans by former professional squash players for individuals of all levels, ages and backgrounds.

“The Flying DAF Squash Academy’s approach to training is fully-customisable to our players, whatever their level. Squash is a sport for all and our holistic approach to high-energy sessions is designed to support player development regardless of ability; we are catering for players eyeing professional titles, seasoned amateurs and straight-forward hobbyists,” said El Dafrawy, who is also the head coach.

“We have a big focus on creating a developmental pathway, most clearly with school groups so we can really begin shaping the next UAE and world champions as early as possible. But we also understand the important role fitness, with a hint of competitiveness, can play in the well-being of adults. No-one is too new or too advanced to be a part of our community,” she added.

Renowned for her athleticism and absolute commitment to every point, El Dafrawy’s incredible sprawling leaps around the court earned her the nickname ‘The Flying Daf’ on the pro circuit. Having now retired from the professional game, El Dafrawy, has coached in France, Germany, South Africa, Jordan, Netherlands, Canada, Egypt and United States. After a professional career in which she claimed nine Professional Squash Association titles and rose to number 22 in the world rankings, El Dafrawy, is eager to give back.

“Part of our offering to younger members will be a mentorship programme based on the one I benefitted from in my developmental years,” added the 27-year-old. “We want to provide an avenue into elite education and training abroad, while building a domestic squash community which creates local, regional and international champions over time.”

As well as coaching classes and membership access to court bookings, The Flying DAF will host monthly tournaments for a variety of levels, with prize pools of kit by Harrow, the career sponsor for El Dafrawy over the years.

Membership enquiries and court bookings can be made from today (May 21) and opening hours are 8am-10pm daily. For more information, including prices and bookings, visit www.flyingdaf.com or follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/theflyingdaf/