Saudi club academy development project could transform football, says Emad Al-Sayegh

The program "Malaeb with Faisal Al-Jafn" on Al Arabiya FM discussed the Saudi Football Federation's project to develop club academies, which targets clubs in the Saudi Pro League, First Division, and Second Division, aiming to enhance the process of discovering and developing football talent.

Sports journalist Emad Al-Sayegh, speaking on Al Arabiya FM, said the project represents a new and distinctive approach. He noted that the program, as announced, includes a clear strategy, objectives, and mission, and believes its success could mark a major turning point for Saudi football.

He explained that the project targets 68 clubs and is being implemented in cooperation with a Belgian company specializing in academy development, which has previously worked with football associations in several countries. He stressed the importance of achieving the project's announced goals in the coming years.

For his part, sports analyst Saeed Al-Hilal said that talent development efforts should focus on regions rich in football talent, such as the Eastern Province, Makkah, Madinah, and Jazan, among others. He called for strengthening academies and scouting networks in these areas and providing incentives for their staff.

Al-Hilal added that the issue is not a lack of talent in Saudi Arabia, but rather what happens after a player is discovered. He explained that talent development should include athletic training, discipline, lifestyle management, and adapting to the demands of professionalism, as well as media and financial awareness for young players.

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He also highlighted the importance of utilizing qualified Saudi coaches and scouts, providing them with the necessary incentives to discover and develop talent. He emphasized that directing these efforts along a clear path could help achieve the desired outcomes of the academy development projects.