WE ARE
Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2025, Desert Thistle Football Club is a youth football academy committed to nurturing talent and fostering a lifelong love for the beautiful game. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities – whether you’re taking your first steps on the pitch or aiming to reach elite levels of performance.
At Desert Thistle FC, we believe in more than just football. Our academy is built on the pillars of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth, with a strong emphasis on success both on and off the field. Led by a dedicated team of FA qualified coaches, we offer expert training and development programs tailored to help every player unlock their full potential.
With a focus on individual progress and a passion for the game, Desert Thistle FC is where future champions are made – through discipline, determination, and the shared joy of football.
WE ARE
Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2025, Desert Thistle Football Club is a youth football academy committed to nurturing talent and fostering a lifelong love for the beautiful game. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities – whether you’re taking your first steps on the pitch or aiming to reach elite levels of performance.
At Desert Thistle FC, we believe in more than just football. Our academy is built on the pillars of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth, with a strong emphasis on success both on and off the field. Led by a dedicated team of FA qualified coaches, we offer expert training and development programs tailored to help every player unlock their full potential.
With a focus on individual progress and a passion for the game, Desert Thistle FC is where future champions are made – through discipline, determination, and the shared joy of football.
Founders
It is one of the most popular football clubs that offer training programs for the youth, as well as summer camps.
Founder
Mark Soutar
Academy Manager / Operations Manager
Scottish/Canadian
Originally from Scotland, Mark immigrated to Canada at a young age, where he was heavily involved with organized sport throughout his high school and college years.
In college, Mark was a member of the Georgian Grizzlies Varsity team as well as playing for the Barrie Spirit Rep and Aurora Soccer Club in Ontario, Canada.
Mark has a BA in Applied Human Services and Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Ohio University.
Prior to his time in Abu Dhabi, Mark spent 9 years working at the International School of Brussels, Belgium, where he worked within the Athletic Program as a JV & Varsity Football Coach, Camp Coordinator, Service Learning Trip Supervisor, P.E teacher and assisted in the Intensive Learning Support program.
Since moving to The U.A.E, Mark has led the Rangers Soccer Academy program in Abu Dhabi as Academy Manager for the last 3 years.
Founder
David Hill
Lead Coach
British
David’s coaching journey began at the City of Glasgow College, where he completed an HND in Sports Coaching & Development. He went on to the University of the West of Scotland, earning a BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Coaching, and during that time achieved his Scottish FA C Licence.
Throughout his studies, David gained a wealth of experience across various areas of football. He began with volunteer roles at the Scottish FA, contributing on matchdays and in multiple coaching capacities. A particular highlight was being part of the coaching team for the Scotland U19 Learning Disability squad, which went on to win the Home Nations tournament in Belfast.
David was also deeply involved in the Scottish FA’s Para-Football programme, working with players across amputee, deaf, learning disability, and mental health categories. In addition, he served as a Player Liaison Officer, working closely with host nations to support visiting teams — a role that led to opportunities to assist with the first team.
On the pitch, David has extensive coaching experience spanning grassroots and semi-professional football. His career progressed to Rangers Football Club, where he joined the Soccer Academy Department. During his time with Rangers, he delivered a variety of sessions, from after-school programmes to holiday camps, before becoming heavily involved in the club’s international department. There, he helped deliver elite residential camps and collaborated with partner clubs from around the world.
This experience eventually took David to Abu Dhabi, where he supported the establishment and operation of the Rangers Soccer Academy, later becoming the Lead Coach for the programme.
Now, David is incredibly excited to continue his journey by developing Desert Thistle into one of Abu Dhabi’s leading football academies, fostering talent and creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds.
Founder
Islam ‘Izzy’ Zaki
Community Development Officer / Coach
Egyptian
Izzy is a former professional footballer with over 14 years of playing experience, including representing the Egyptian National Youth Team at the African Youth Championship. At the club level, he achieved notable success in the Gulf region, winning the Omani League title twice.
A qualified UEFA B Licence coach through the English FA and currently pursuing his UEFA A Licence, Izzy also holds Level 1 and Level 2 Fitness Training certifications. This allows him to blend football-specific conditioning seamlessly into his coaching methodology.
Izzy has spent the past three years coaching at Rangers Football Club, working with both boys’ and girls’ teams across different age groups. His coaching philosophy places strong emphasis on the psychological aspect of football ,helping young players build confidence, resilience, and focus alongside their technical and tactical development.
Fluent in Arabic and English, Izzy brings an international mindset and a deep passion for nurturing the next generation of footballers.