Aspire Academy’s Director General, Ivan Bravo (left) presents a memento to Football Federation of Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj.
The Presidents of the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF), Football Federation of Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), and the Football Association of Serbia (FAS) visited Aspire Academy recently.
President of HFF, Evangelos Grammenos, Mehdi Taj (FFIRI), and Slavisa Kokeza (FAS) were welcomed by Aspire Academy’s Director General, Ivan Bravo, Director of Football Performance and Science, Valter Di Salvo, and Director of Sport and Strategy, Markus Egger.
The visiting President were and accompanied them on guided tours of the premises, including a sneak peek of the Academy’s new Football Performance building.
The FFIRI President was accompanied on the visit by his predecessor, Ali Kafashian. Speaking on the sidelines, Taj said: “I have been very impressed by what is going on at this marvellous sports development institution.
The possibilities that Aspire offers to the current and future generation of Qatari athletes is excellent. These world class facilities, combined with the right vision for the education and nurturing of sports talent in the country, will leave a lasting legacy for Qatar. Qatar should indeed be proud of Aspire Academy.”
HFF President Grammenos said: “It is quite evident that this country has a vision and well-thought-out plans about sport development. l firmly believe that it will reach its objectives in the years to come. Aspire Academy is really impressive and has embarked on a good sports development philosophy which is backed up by world class facilities. Sport in Qatar, particularly football, has a bright future ahead and Aspire Academy has a major role to play to help the country achieve its sporting ambitions.”
After his tour of Aspire Academy, Grammenos proceeded to visit the Academy’s sister organisation, Aspetar specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital.
FAS President Kokeza, joined by his association’s Sport Director, Goran Bunjevcevic, said: “We can exchange notes on youth coaching and development methods as we’ve both scored some successes in this area, given that our U-20 national team were winners of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and Qatar’s won the 2014 AFC U-19 Championships.
“I am sure even our coaching programmes can build on each other’s experiences and strengths. Judging from the efforts that l see here at Aspire Academy, I am sure that Qatar will put together a competitive team in 2022. One that will represent the country well at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” he added.
