In the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Al Hamra Sports Club stands as a testament to transformation and resilience.

This once-struggling rugby club has evolved into a thriving multi-sport community organisation, offering affordable and diverse sports programs for all ages and genders. Under the visionary leadership of David Learman, the club has not only expanded its sports offerings but also cemented its place as a pillar of the local community.

‘Sport for all’

The story of Al Hamra Sports Club began in 1986, when it was founded as RAK Goats Rugby Club by a group of expats from the oil fields and armed forces. These early years were characterised by a nomadic existence, with matches played wherever a flat piece of land could be found. It wasn’t until 2013-2014 that the club began to gain a more organised and centralised footing in Ras Al Khaimah, playing home matches at the Sharjah Wanderers Rugby Club.

The real transformation began in 2015 when Learman joined the club. Over the next few years, he and his team laid the groundwork for what would become Al Hamra Sports Club, focusing on sustainability and community engagement. This vision culminated in a strategic shift in 2022, when the club rebranded itself and embraced the motto “Sport for All,” offering a broader range of sports activities designed to engage the entire community.

‘The community’s response has been fantastic’

Today, Al Hamra Sports Club offers a variety of sports programs, including rugby, football, netball, and field hockey. The club’s inclusive approach ensures that these activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or financial status.

Rugby remains at the heart of the club. With a robust coaching structure and regular training sessions, both senior and junior teams are making significant progress. The club’s commitment to rugby is evident in its efforts to rebuild the team and foster a strong community around the sport.

“We have a squad of around 30 now training every week,” said Learman. “Our coaching team is dedicated, and we’re looking forward to a competitive season.”

The football program has seen tremendous growth, with the formation of the Ravens, a women’s football team, and the Spartans, a men’s team. The club is also launching a kids’ football program, Mini Spartans, which will kick off with competitive play in the upcoming season.

“Football has been a key area of growth for us,” explained Learman. “The community’s response has been fantastic, and we’re excited to see both our senior and junior teams thrive.”

Netball has quickly become one of the most popular offerings at Al Hamra Sports Club. The first training session saw an impressive turnout of over 30 participants, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for the sport.

“Netball has taken off in a big way,” Learman said. “The response has been overwhelming, and we’re committed to building a strong netball community here.”

Field hockey is another new addition to the club’s repertoire. Launched recently, the program has already garnered significant interest, with players contributing towards the necessary equipment.

“Hockey is proving to be very popular,” noted Learman. “The community’s support has been incredible, and we’re looking forward to developing this program further.”

‘A community hub where people can enjoy both sports and leisure’

Currently, Al Hamra Sports Club operates out of various local facilities, including St. Mary’s School and Al Jazeera pitches. However, the club’s ambitions extend far beyond these temporary arrangements. With the backing of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the club has been gifted land to develop a state-of-the-art “sports village” complex.

“The vision is to create a sports and leisure complex that offers world-class amenities”

“The vision is to create a sports and leisure complex that offers world-class amenities,” explained Learman. “This facility will not only serve as a training ground but also as a community hub where people can enjoy both sports and leisure activities.”

The proposed sports village will feature various sports fields, training facilities, dining options, and recreational areas, aiming to provide a holistic environment for both participants and spectators.

The success of Alhambra Sports Club is largely attributed to its dedicated leadership and volunteer base. David Learman, as Chairman, has played a pivotal role in steering the club towards its current path of growth and sustainability. His strategic vision focuses on community engagement and making sports accessible to everyone.

“We are committed to making sports affordable and accessible,” said Learman. “Our programs are designed to encourage participation from all sections of the community, especially those who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.”

To support its operations, the club has structured coaching teams for each sport, all composed of unpaid volunteers who are passionate about their roles. Additionally, the appointment of Sophie Farina as General Manager has streamlined day-to-day operations, allowing Learman to focus on strategic initiatives and long-term goals.

‘Universities to include our sports programs’

One of the innovative strategies employed by Al Hamra Sports Club is its partnership with local universities. The club is in talks with several universities in Ras Al Khaimah to become the official provider of sports programs for their students. This collaboration is expected to enhance the university experience for students and attract more families to the region.

“We’re working on memorandums of understanding with these universities to include our sports programs in their prospectus,” Learman explained. “This partnership will provide students with access to a wide range of sports activities at no additional cost, making it a significant draw for prospective students and their families.”

‘Sustainability and community engagement’

The journey to transforming Al Hamra Sports Club has not been without its challenges. Financial constraints, logistical issues, and the impact of COVID-19 posed significant hurdles. However, through strategic planning and community support, the club has managed to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth.

“We’ve had our share of difficulties and many remain to be resolved, but the support of the community has been phenomenal, and the commitment of our sponsors, in particular RAKGAS our headline partner, and RAK Ports, a long-standing supporter, has been invaluable to our progress” said Learman. “Our focus on sustainability and community engagement has been key to overcoming these challenges and moving forward.”

Looking ahead, the club’s immediate goals include constructing an artificial turf pitch at Al Hamra for the 2023 home rugby matches, developing the sports village, and continuing to expand their sports offerings. The vision is clear: to create a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant sports community in Ras Al Khaimah.

Al Hamra Sports Club stands as a beacon of innovation and transformation in the UAE’s sports landscape. From its humble beginnings as a transient rugby club, it is growing to become a multi-sport powerhouse that prioritises community engagement and accessibility. With ambitious plans for the future and a core of committed volunteer support, the club is on its way to achieving its vision of a world-class sports village.

As the club continues to expand and evolve, it remains committed to its core values of inclusivity, sustainability, and excellence. For the people of Ras Al Khaimah and beyond, Al Hamra Sports Club is more than just a place to play sports; it is a community hub where passion for sports meets the spirit of camaraderie and resilience.