Doha: The 10th Aspire Academy Global Summit on Football Performance and Science commenced on Monday, marking a significant milestone as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence. The summit sees participation from representatives of clubs, football federations, and national teams worldwide, along with several academy officials in attendance.

According to Qatar News Agency, Director General of Aspire Academy and Technical Director of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), Ivan Bravo, highlighted the importance of this prominent football event aligning with the academy’s 20th anniversary. He reflected on the academy’s journey in nurturing a new generation that has made history in Qatari football with two continental titles and victories in the 2019 and 2023 Asian Cups.

Bravo emphasized the academy’s success, as acknowledged by global football experts, demonstrated by the presence of coaches from major European leagues at the summit. He lauded the academy’s role in suppl
ying the Qatari national football team with exceptional players and underlined the necessity of advancing football at the youth level. Bravo concluded by expressing aspirations to elevate ambitions and continue making historical strides for Qatar in sports.

Francesco Farioli, the technical manager of Ajax Amsterdam, shared his experiences in football training during the summit sessions. He recounted his beginnings at Aspire Academy in 2015, where he developed his coaching skills, and expressed his delight at returning to Qatar for the summit. Farioli praised the Qatari national team for its achievements in Asian football.

Farioli also discussed the integration of technology in football strategies, decision-making, and performance improvement. He emphasized the importance of preparing players for various match scenarios, increasing pressure on opponents, and mastering ball possession.

On the sidelines of the summit, a “Star Chat” session featured French coaches Rudi Garcia and Christophe Galtier, alongside
coaches from the English Premier League and former football stars. Workshops were conducted with technical representatives from football federations and members of the “Aspire in the World Fellows.” These sessions focused on the latest advancements in sports science, player physiology, and future innovations in football performance.