“ASPIRE Africa. Football Dreams” was unveiled at an opening ceremony in Qatar attended by Pelé. ASPIRE Africa. Football Dreams is the largest football talent search project in history and when testing starts at the end of May, six thousand staff will screen more than 500,000 boys born in 1994 in seven different countries across 700 locations.
In the first phase the best 50 players from each country, identified in the selection process, will go for a week of trials in the capital city of their respective nations. The top three from each country will then come to ASPIRE for four weeks of trials and testing. From here, following a period of assessment and discussions with the families, the most talented players will be enrolled into the ASPIRE Academy.
Dr. Andreas Bleicher, Sports Director at ASPIRE said, “this is an incredible opportunity for talented young African boys to reach the heights of international football in the future, as well as for ASPIRE’s football players to be inspired in their daily training programme by outstanding international talents. This is a huge boost especially for the Qatari football talents as well.
“Everyone in football is aware of the significant talent that exists in Africa, and also of the challenges that can prevent this talent reaching its full potential. ASPIRE will offer a new window of opportunity for those players who have the talent and dedication necessary to succeed at the highest levels of professional football.”
