Latest news with #AspireAcademy
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Aspire Academy Workshop Tour – Asia concludes successfully in Singapore
Tribune News Network Singapore Aspire Academy 's innovative initiative 'The Workshop Tour' has been to Asia in its second edition, and more precisely in Singapore in collaboration with Football Association of Singapore(FAS). The tour is part of ongoing commitment of the Qatar based prestigious Aspire Academy under its worldwide programme, Aspire in the World Fellows. It aims at the development of youth football through the Aspire in the World Fellows programme continued this week with a stop on the Workshop Tour in Singapore. The workshop was hosted in collaboration with the newest Aspire Fellows, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) at their headquarters, Jalan Besar Stadium, with more than 200 guests in attendance. This latest event was the second of the Workshop Tour initiative launched last year by Aspire in the World Fellows, following a highly successful visit to Argentina. Thanks to expert input from many of the Aspire Fellows, the workshops aim to share knowledge with a larger global audience of coaches and technical staff. With His Excellency Saoud bin Jassim Al Jufairi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Singapore, in attendance, the workshop was officially opened by Ali Sultan Fakhroo, Chief Corporate Services Officer at Aspire Academy. His comments were followed by a welcome from the Executive Director of Aspire in the World Fellows, and Chew Chun-Liang, the General Secretary of FAS. In addition to theoretical and practical sessions, the delegates also enjoyed two Star Chats with former professional footballers. On day one, it was former Japan international and Asian Cup winner Tadanari Lee, who played for several Japanese clubs as well as English side Southampton, He shared his experiences of being a professional player, emphasising the importance of mental preparation for players aiming to reach the next level. 'In football, one of the most important things is information sharing, and European football has a long history, with the best technology and best methods in football,' he explained. 'So it's good for ideas from European football to be shared through this type of opportunity.' The first day's theoretical presentations included Professor Valter di Salvo, Aspire Academy's Director of Football Performance and Science, who offered his insights into using a holistic approach to dealing with injuries, highlighting the importance of integrated performance and recovery strategies. Manuel Toscano from Italian giants Juventus presented a practical model to illustrate effective communication with both players and coaches. On behalf of the FAS, Firdaus Maasar used examples of real data from the Singapore League to underline the importance of contextualising to give proper meaning to analysis. The evening sessions were devoted to more practical sessions, with local players used to demonstrate the ideas. Corne Groenendijk from the Dutch club Ajax and Lewis Nightingale from English Premier League Champions Liverpool offered two distinct coaching approaches, each with its own identity and methodology. On the second day, the Star Chat was with Mike Phelan, a former Manchester United midfielder and long-serving assistant coach at the club, best known for his role alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during one of United's most successful eras. He underscored the value of the teams that work behind the team in achieving success, as well as pointing out the changing nature of global football, where modern players are now as much brands as they are footballers. The day's theoretical sessions included Daniele Bonnano, Aspire Academy's Football Performance Coordinator, who considered how to define success in youth development, using Aspire Academy as a study and approach. While Matt Portas from the English Football Association argued that we cannot identify tomorrow's talent with yesterday's mindset. The final theoretical session was presented by Priscilla Castellani Tarabini of the Italian football association (FIGC) on the role of performance nutrition in contrast to medical nutrition in football. The practical sessions on the second day were led by Karim Bencherifa, the Football Association of Singapore, and Hugo Machado, who works at the Portuguese club FC Porto. The Singapore representative conducted several drills to focus on improving finishing in the final third, to refine timing, decision-making, and execution. Hugo Machado demonstrated FC Porto's playing principles, particularly how players react to their team losing possession, with an emphasis on intensity and collective response. There were also technological presentations from Fitogether, who were partners for the Singapore Workshop and have a continuing working relationship with Aspire Academy, developing GPS tracking units to provide a variety of crucial and useful data on players. Following the two days of main workshop events, there were activities for youngsters from the local communities, providing them with a unique opportunity to participate in practical sessions led by top coaches from the Aspire Fellows.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cumbrian Construction academy welcomes first students
A construction academy which aims to give vulnerable young people the skills needed to access employment has started training its first students from the West Cumbria Learning Centre, a pupil referral unit in Whitehaven, have been offered access to lessons in construction skills like bricklaying at the Aspire project is designed to help pupils who find it difficult to learn in a traditional classroom setting build confidence and prepare for college courses or of the first students said the project had given him pride in himself and helped him escape the frustrations of the classroom. Aspire Academy is a partnership between William King Construction, West Cumbria Learning Centre and Time to Change West Cumbria. William King's construction firm works on residential and commercial projects as well as contracts at the Sellafield nuclear site. Growing up in Cleator Moor, he says he can relate to some of the difficulties facing the young men he is now tutoring."At their age I had no clear path of where I was going," he said."I didn't have any jobs lined up, didn't have an apprenticeship. I ended up in construction so I've first hand experience of how construction can change lives." Daniel Ghee, head teacher at West Cumbria Learning Centre, said students come to the school experiencing significant challenges to their learning. While those challenges can vary, most find lessons taught in a traditional classroom setting difficult to sit through. He said: "That's where the idea of working off site and joining with industry professionals came from. "The students are learning valuable skills and the academy has clear links to real employment opportunities locally." The lessons at West Lakes Science Park run alongside careers guidance given in school. Rachel Holliday, from Time to Change West Cumbria which works to support local communities, is appealing for business owners to consider sponsoring the next cohort of students. She said employment options for young people in West Cumbria can be limited and Aspire Academy aims to remove as many barriers as possible. A student, who did not want to be named, said having the opportunity to gain skills which would help in securing an apprenticeship helped ease his worries about finding a said having a "foot in the door felt good". Follow BBC North East on and and BBC Cumbria on and and both on and .
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Hosts Qatar to face Italy in opener in FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025
Tribune News Network Doha With the official release of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 match schedule, football managers and team representatives shared their excitement for what will be a historic tournament. Set to take place in Qatar (3-27 November), this will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams. 'The tournament will be hosted in its entirety in the world-class Aspire Academy, with the final match to be held at Khalifa International Stadium, one of our historic Qatar 2022 venues,' said Rashid Al Khater, Executive Director of Operations of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Al Khater added: 'This will be more than just a football tournament, as fans will be treated to a festival-like atmosphere where they can enjoy a robust fan zone that meets all their needs as they take in some exciting football matches.' Hosts Qatar have been drawn into group A alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The young Maroons will look to improve on Qatar's best performance in the tournament when they claimed fourth place in 1991. 'Having the Under-17 World Cup hosted in Qatar for five consecutive years provides young players with a wonderful opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world. This type of competition will have a great impact on the development of young players and will once again positively reflect Qatar's ability to host mega sporting events,' said Alvaro Perez, head coach of the Qatar under-17 team. Drawn alongside Qatar are South Africa. For head coach Vela Khumalo, the tournament has the potential to have global impact. The Amajimbos will be making their second appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after their debut in 2015. 'The tournament is important for the entire world. That is why we were so keen to qualify and participate in competition hosted by Qatar. The World Cup provides us with a platform to interact with teams and players from all around the world, which will undoubtedly have a tremendous impact on the skills and abilities of our players,' said Khumalo. A total of 48 teams will play 104 matches over a period of 24 days. They have been divided into 12 groups. The first match will see hosts Qatar take on European giants Italy on 3 November. For the full match schedule, visit For all tournament related information, follow @RoadtoQatar on all major social media A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia Group B: Japan, Morocco New Caledonia, Portugal Group C: Senegal, Croatia Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates Group D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji Group E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt Group F: Mexico, Korea, Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Switzerland Group G: Germany, Colombia, Korea DPR, El Salvador Group H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia Group I: USA, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Republic of Ireland Group K: France, Chile Canada, Uganda Group L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, and Saudi Arabia
ILoveQatar.net
12-06-2025
- Sport
- ILoveQatar.net
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ full match schedule revealed, Qatar set to face Italy in opening game
With the official release of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ match schedule, football managers and team representatives shared their excitement for what will be a historic tournament. Set to take place in Qatar between 3 - 27 November, this will be the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams. 'The tournament will be hosted in its entirety in the world-class Aspire Academy, with the final match to be held at Khalifa International Stadium, one of our historic Qatar 2022 venues,' said Rashid Al Khater, Executive Director of Operations of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Al Khater added: 'This will be more than just a football tournament, as fans will be treated to a festival-like atmosphere where they can enjoy a robust fan zone that meets all their needs as they take in some exciting football matches.' Hosts Qatar have been drawn into group A alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The young Maroons will look to improve on Qatar's best performance in the tournament when they claimed fourth place in 1991. 'Having the under-17 World Cup hosted in Qatar for five consecutive years provides young players with a wonderful opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world. This type of competition will have a great impact on the development of young players and will once again positively reflect Qatar's ability to host mega sporting events,' said Alvaro Perez, head coach of the Qatar under-17 team. Drawn alongside Qatar are South Africa. For head coach Vela Khumalo, the tournament has the potential to have global impact. The Amajimbos will be making their second appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ after their debut in 2015. 'The tournament is important for the entire world. That is why we were so keen to qualify and participate in competition hosted by Qatar. The World Cup provides us with a platform to interact with teams and players from all around the world, which will undoubtedly have a tremendous impact on the skills and abilities of our players,' said Khumalo. A total of 48 teams will play 104 matches over a period of 24 days. They have been divided into 12 groups. They are: The first match will see hosts Qatar take on European giants Italy on 3 November. For the full match schedule, visit
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
FIFA U-17 World Cup schedule: Full list of Qatar 2025 matches, dates, venues, timings, groups
The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar, the first to feature 48 teams, will take place between November 3 to 27. 'The tournament will be hosted in its entirety in the world-class Aspire Academy, with the final match to be held at Khalifa International Stadium, one of our historic Qatar 2022 venues,' said Rashid Al Khater, Executive Director of Operations of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). DRAW RESULTS - GROUPS Host Qatar has been drawn into Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia. The young Maroons will look to improve on Qatar's best performance in the tournament when it claimed fourth place in 1991. 'Having the under-17 World Cup hosted in Qatar for five consecutive years provides young players with a wonderful opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world. This type of competition will have a great impact on the development of young players and will once again positively reflect Qatar's ability to host mega sporting events,' said Alvaro Perez, head coach of the Qatar under-17 team. Drawn alongside Qatar is South Africa. For head coach Vela Khumalo, the tournament has the potential to have global impact. The Amajimbos will be making their second appearance at the U-17 World Cup after their debut in 2015. 'The tournament is important for the entire world. That is why we were so keen to qualify and participate in the competition hosted by Qatar. The World Cup provides us with a platform to interact with teams and players from all around the world, which will undoubtedly have a tremendous impact on the skills and abilities of our players,' said Khumalo. A total of 48 teams will play 104 matches over a period of 24 days. They have been divided into 12 groups. Group A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia Group B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal Group C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates Group D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji Group E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt Group F: Mexico, Korea, Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Switzerland Group G: Germany, Colombia, Korea DPR, El Salvador Group H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia Group I: USA, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Republic of Ireland Group K: France, Chile, Canada, Uganda Group L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia The first match will see host Qatar take on European giant Italy on November 3. Read and download the full schedule here: FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 Related Topics FIFA U-17 World Cup
