Real Madrid set to kick off Football Academy in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

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Real Madrid is set to establish a football academy in Bahrain this year or early next year, according to Adel Al Safar, chairman of the Al Safar Group.

The group has signed an agreement with the Spanish football club to bring Real Madrid academy coaches to the Kingdom.

As per Al Safar, the group will begin by appointing Spanish coaching staff to manage the academy.

  "Bahraini personnel will also be recruited to assume future leadership roles.  The academy will initially focus on partnerships with private schools, inviting them to participate in Real Madrid academy sporting activities," he told our sister newspaper Alayam. Al Safar emphasised the multifaceted benefits of this investment, highlighting its social, sporting, cultural, and financial returns.

However, he stressed that the primary focus will be on the social and sporting development of Bahraini children and youth, equipping them for future success in the field.

"Real Madrid's global presence, with approximately 4,000 centres worldwide, will provide a valuable framework for the Bahrain academy's training programmes. This will help to prepare young players for elite opportunities," he explained.

The Al Safar Group plans to construct a dedicated stadium for the Real Madrid academy, potentially in Muharraq, Riffa, or Manama. 

In the interim, the academy will utilise existing facilities at Bahraini sports clubs, forming partnerships to train their staff and integrate them into the academy's activities.  School sports facilities will also be utilised.

Regarding the timeline, Al Safar stated that the launch is imminent.  

"The selection of Spanish academy management and coaching staff will be finalised this week, with a trip to Madrid planned for early November to further refine the launch plan. 

The academy programme is expected to commence in December or January. 

The group hopes to invite prominent figures from the world of football, potentially arranging visits from Real Madrid representatives to Bahrain," he stressed.

Al Safar also hinted at the possibility of bringing FC Barcelona's La Masia academy to Bahrain in the future and organising visits from Barcelona players, specifically mentioning Lionel Messi.