Doha: Aspire Academy hosted its annual induction evening for the parents of all its student-athletes on September 13 where it emphasised the importance of the academy working with the parents to ensure their sons develop both on the sports field and in the classroom.
It was the first meeting which parents of all student-athletes at the academy could attend since 2019. With Arabic teacher Ali Ayoub acting as master of ceremonies, the first to address the parents was Deputy Director Ali Salem, who spoke after Grade 7 student-athlete Abdalla Elsawi read from the Quran.
Football Department Technical Director, Edorta Murua; Head of Team Coordinators in the Sports Department, Mohamed Al Thawadi; Director of the Sports Medicine Centre, Dr Francisco Moreira; and Aspire Academy School Principal, Jassem Al Jaber were welcomed to the stage.
The four speakers outlined how their department and team of experts will contribute to the development of the student-athletes. They were also very keen to point out that working with the parents is a key part of the academy’s success and is vital to ensure the student-athletes get the very best from their time at Aspire.
Salem pointed out what an exceptional time the academy and Qatar as a nation has ahead. “It is a real honour that we are hosting the FIFA World Cup here in Qatar and we are proud of the part we are playing in the event. I must also underline that it will not impede our sports training or our academic lessons.”
Murua explained that the lessons learned during training have an impact away from the football pitch too. Al Thawadi told the parents about the many experts involved in the everyday life of the student-athletes from coaches to physiology to nutrition to psychology.
On behalf of the Sports Medicine Department, Dr. Moreira pointed out that his team and the coaches do their very best to avoid injuries but they are part and parcel of elite training. School principal, Al Jaber emphasised the teamwork needed throughout the academy to ensure the best learning environment for the student-athletes.
