He added, “I can see a time in the future when clubs like Chelsea will be looking at ASPIRE when searching for new talent”.
While top clubs are now regularly paying fees of more than £30 million for player transfers, ASPIRE’s Director, General Dr Thomas Flock told the audience how ASPIRE aims to nurture youngsters from childhood by engaging them in physical activities from an early age by creating a system and environment conducive to producing talented competitors long into the future.
He told delegates that ASPIRE is leading the way in youth development in the region and is aiming to develop footballers to benefit the Qatari national team as it strives to make an impact on the global stage.
“We are attempting to develop champions in sport and also champions in life and I believe academies are the future,” he said, stressing the Academy’s unique commitment to a holistic sporting, academic and social education for its students.
“One of our primary goals is to educate Qatari players and produce a national team capable of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.”
