ASPIRE spreads its wings at Soccerex

During the presentation, ASPIRE officials described the academy's unique position internationally, with its campus which includes the largest sports dome in the world as well as its use of the latest technological advances in coaching, education and performance management, designed to secure the academy's mission to identify, educate and train world-class athletes.

ASPIRE Director Dr. Thomas Flock said: "The aim of our football programme is to produce world-class players who will play professional football, both in Qatar and overseas. Our commitment to these goals focuses on an innovative recruitment programme which selects naturally talented student-athletes and, using the highest calibre coaching staff and sports scientists, introduces them to our world renowned sports and education programme."

This attention to detail will not only generate future champions but carries over into all aspects of the academy, including academic and personal skills, with the goal of producing successful athletes who are well-rounded and fully prepared to meet future challenges both on and off the football field.

In its first academic year, ASPIRE has enrolled 92 student athletes, with 53 children included in the successful football programme.

Dr. Flock continued: "When recruiting new student athletes, we look far beyond simple physical build, height and weight to assess how a child will develop in six or seven years time. Out talent identification programme is based around both physical and mental attributes to select well rounded sportsmen.

Once selected, the student athletes' performance is continually measured scientifically and this data analysed and evaluated individually to support a personal training development plan designed to produce greater performance.

ASPIRE's head football coach is Michael Browne, who joined the Academy after spending six years as Academy Director at Charlton Athletic FC in the UK. Michael was responsible for one of the best youth development programmes in the country and he worked extensively for the England Football Association, delivering coaching courses at all levels including to UEFA 'A' License level.

Michael Browne said: "Our aspiring young soccer players have adapted well to our dynamic sports programme. The students train early in the morning and in the evening under the wing of our international coaching squad and attend school during the day.

"ASPIRE is also responsible for the development of the Qatar junior national football squads and children are developed from the age of 6, moving on to the Academy from the age of 10 until they reach their peak performance age."