DME Academy expanded its global reach this April with the launch of the Dubai Basketball Showcase. The three-day event attracted top youth athletes from the Middle East, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Held from April 4–6 at Champs Sports Club in Jebel Ali, Dubai, the showcase gave players aged 12 to 18 a rare opportunity. They trained with experienced U.S. coaches and competed in front of American scouts.
gnacio Rodriguez, DME’s international director, led the event. He was joined by co-founder Mike Panaggio and girls head coach Michael Panaggio. Players traveled from countries such as Kuwait, Lebanon, Serbia, and Jordan to attend.
For many, it was their first time being evaluated by coaches from the United States. As one camper explained, “It’s an amazing opportunity to improve as a player and grow as a person.”
World-Class Development, Delivered
The showcase followed a structured daily plan that focused on real development. Each day included:
Skill stations based on position and level
Live scrimmages with coach observation
Team-building sessions to promote communication
One-on-one feedback for personal growth
Because of the event’s focus and intensity, both players and parents noticed how different it felt from other youth basketball camps. It delivered far more than just drills or games.
Scouted by U.S. Coaches and Agents
Unlike most international basketball events, this showcase gave players real exposure to DME Academy’s U.S.-based coaching staff and partner network. Athletes were evaluated for possible placement at DME Academy’s Florida campus, which has produced NCAA players, national team athletes, and professionals around the world.
For many in attendance, it was their first look at the expectations of elite-level competition—and the first time someone from the U.S. was watching.
DME Academy remains committed to identifying and developing international talent. With future showcases planned across Europe and the Middle East, this Dubai event marked a key step in making elite U.S. training more accessible to global athletes.
And for those ready to take the next step, DME Academy’s Summer Prep Camp in Florida is now open for registration.
Open to boys and girls aged 14 to 18, this summer program is built for athletes who want to train, compete, and grow at the highest level. Led by DME’s elite coaching staff—including former pros and college-level coaches—campers will develop their game through:
Two on-court practices per day
Four strength and conditioning sessions each week
Three competitive Florida AAU tournaments
Beach workouts and team-building trips
College campus and facility tours
Optional English immersion classes (limited availability)
Athletes live and train on DME’s state-of-the-art campus, with housing, meals, and everything they need to focus on development, under the Florida sun.
This is more than just a camp. It’s preparation for the next level.
Register Now for Basketball Summer Prep
Daytona, FL. – DME Academy, known for its commitment to high-performance player development, is set to host the Argentine Football Association (AFA) Summer Camp, providing a unique opportunity for young athletes to experience the AFA world-class training methodology.
As one of the most respected football institutions in the world, AFA has developed elite-level players through a proven system of technical, tactical, and physical training. Now, through this collaboration, DME Academy will bring that same professional approach to players in the U.S., reinforcing its mission to provide top-tier development opportunities.
AFA’s player development system is built on technical precision, tactical intelligence, and a structured training curriculum. Through the AFA Summer Camp, players will engage in a comprehensive program designed to refine their skills, enhance their game awareness, and elevate their performance on the field. The camp will feature technical and tactical training based on AFA’s methodology, coaching from top professionals who specialize in player development, and a structured program focused on game intelligence, skill refinement, and positional awareness.
“This camp is a rare opportunity for players to experience the methodology that has shaped some of the best footballers in the world,” said Dan Pannagio, Founder at DME Academy. “We are proud to provide an environment that challenges and develops athletes at the highest level.”
The partnership between AFA and DME Academy was introduced by MadFortune, a full-service marketing agency specialized in developing business in the sports industry worldwide. “Connecting AFA and DME Academy, two world class brands, was as gratifying as it was straightforward in the business sense. We now have the best soccer product teamed up with the best sporting and educational environment for a global audience to enjoy,” said Marcelo Sá, MadFortune founder and managing director.
The camp will take place at DME Academy’s elite training facilities, offering players a comprehensive and immersive football experience that reflects Argentina’s tradition of excellence. Enrollment is now open for a limited number of participants. For more information and to secure a place in the program, visit our website.
All classes will be taught by a Master Coach.
Our elite field house is home to our volleyball and performance training areas. With more than 47,000 square feet our professionally maintained facility has the latest training equipment and technology for athletes. Our facility boasts 7 regulation volleyball courts, a performance center, athletic training rooms and a spa.
We welcome all players ranging from 8-16 years of age.
Monday and Wednesday from 7 PM - 8 PM or 8 PM - 9 PM. Each player will be assigned a group and time.
The cost of Volleyball Skills and Drills 3 is: $239
DME's High School Doubles League will take place from November 11th through December 18th Mondays and Wednesday
Players must sign up as a team. Teams will play 2 matches each week with the last two weeks set aside for playoffs. (All teams will advance to the playoffs). This is a chance for athletes to play and have some fun without coaching, without pressure and a chance to keep their feet in the sand during the traditional indoor high school season. We are looking to keep this league fun and competitive for all athletes. No coaching will be allowed during matches.
With seven indoor courts, four beach courts, two weight rooms, a spa and recovery facility and audio/visual center for video analysis, DME has a training facility that competes with most collegiate programs.
Kioki, a standout player named Middle Georgia Soccer Player of the Year in 2012, scored 31 goals and 13 assists in 18 games. He played for the GA Perimeter Jaguars and Lander University, competing in the NPSL and USL2 with the Myrtle Beach Mutiny, winning two conference titles. Kioki also played for Pickering Town FC in England and trialed with Benidorm CF in Spain.
Transitioning to coaching, he served as Director of Operations for Daytona Rush Soccer Club, where he managed player relations and soccer programming in Volusia County.
All soccer skills clinics will be held on DME Academy's new, pristine turf soccer field.
We welcome players of all ages wanting to strengthen their soccer skills, develop their game IQ, and improve their overall athletic abilities!
The clinics are free!
Nope! We welcome all skill levels and pride ourselves on our development techniques that are perfect for beginners.
Recruitment is year round. Interested student-athletes can fill out the form on the bottom of this page to get on our radar.
