The Desert Vipers Schools Programme for the 2025-2026 academic year is back and highlighted by a trophy tour across the United Arab Emirates.
The Vipers, recently crowned DP World ILT20 champions, have taken the initiative to bring their trophy to students and help inspire them and foster a greater interest in cricket.
The Desert Vipers won Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 after finishing as runners-up in two of the earlier three editions of the tournament. The trophy tour offers students a chance to meet some of those who worked behind the scenes in this victory, while also hearing the story of how the trophy was won after a lot of hard work and determination.
The Desert Vipers Schools Programme is designed for students aged eight to 13 years of age and in season 3 educated 10,250 students on cricket and sustainability through 366 hours of free coaching in 55 schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and India.
The programme goes beyond cricket. Alongside learning core cricket skills, students explore how sport is connected to nature and how small, responsible actions can help protect our planet, both on and off the field. Mini-games related to Schools Programme Partners, which also includes Bluewater Group, Carrefour MAF, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, help reinforce learnings around protecting people and planet.
On the back of the success of the Schools Programme, the Desert Vipers expanded their community reach through the Desert Vipers Talent Pathway Powered by Balqis, to unearth local talent in students aged between 13 and 18 years old and prepare them for international competitions. With a focus on high-performance, this programme offers expert coaching and mentorship to boys and girls with the goal of providing them opportunities in the Desert Vipers main team set-up.
Jack Luffman, Desert Vipers’ Development Lead, said: “We are thrilled to be able to take the DP World ILT20 trophy, won by the Desert Vipers, on a tour as part of our Schools Programme.
“This is a chance for us to give students a behind the scenes look at all the work that the athletes and coaches put in and what it takes to build a champion team.
“The success of our UAE players over four seasons of the DP World ILT20 is also a key element in our conversations with students to demonstrate a clear pathway for aspiring cricketers. The journey begins with the Schools Programme, then progresses to the Talent Pathway Programme, the ILT20 Development team and finally the senior Desert Vipers team.
“Each year we look for new ways to engage with the local community and give back to the UAE, and the trophy tour is just one such offering.”
Email schools@thedesertvipers.com to book your school’s place for a visit.
