
FIFA celebrated Bahrain’s successful FIFA Talent Academy under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme with a milestone ceremony in the country’s capital, Manama, last week.
The event saw significant figures such as President of the Bahrain Football Association, His Excellency Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, the FIFA Chief of Global Football Development attend, highlighting a major moment in FIFA and Bahraini collaboration.
The event marks an inaugural celebration of the first of over 20 operational FIFA Talent Academies under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS).
Launched in February 2022, the TDS aims to bolster the footballing prowess of men’s and women’s national-team football across the globe by providing pathways for sustainable long-term development for member associations. Across its lifespan, the TDS has so far assisted more than 200 FIFA Member Associations, developing players in all corners of the world.
As the TDS continues to march on successfully, the scheme has a key focus to develop at least 75 FIFA Talent Academies around the world by 2027.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, expressed his admiration for the FIFA Talent Academies and Bahrain’s work in a video message.
“Bahrain has been a pioneer in the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and I want to thank you for your support. Together, we celebrate the great progress that has been made,” he said via press release.
“We are also aware that football has an important role to play beyond the pitch, so the FIFA Talent Academies will look to develop well-rounded individuals by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork and leadership through football in a safe environment. This will ensure that players not only excel on the pitch but also grow as responsible, contributing members of society.”
A core tenant of every FIFA Talent Development Academy is the responsibility to protect and educate players, allowing them to flourish in a safe environment.
FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, spoke of the goals of the academies.
“The ultimate objectives of FIFA Talent Academies are to develop young players by providing them with the highest levels of training, education and development to help them reach their full potential, contributing to the overall growth of football in the country,” he said via press release.
FIFA will continue to investigate and develop ways to create sustainable long-term football systems to elevate player skill and the sport as a whole.