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A NEW football academy has been set up in Bahrain with the aim of giving local youngsters a shot at improving their skills Ö on and off the pitch.
Simply called The Football Academy (TFA), it recently opened its doors in Saar to children aged between four and 15 and not only wants to help hone their footballing prowess in a fun and rewarding atmosphere but also help them to develop important life skills.
Already more than 100 youngsters have enrolled in classes and there are just a few spaces available in the under-11 and under-13 categories, despite competition for their talents at numerous after-school activity clubs and the well-established Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain.
Adil Glia, 33, its director and coach, said: ìWe created the concept around the need for an academy with a bigger philosophy than simply football skills and drills-based training. We believe that talent will win games but teamwork will win championships.
ìWe also believe in making sport fun while ensuring that exercise and training start to form a part of a child’s life from an early age.
ìWe teach football skills along with teamwork, communication and patience. We are also keen to support children’s academic development by rewarding them for their hard work both at school and off the pitch.
'We felt that this philosophy would be something that appealed to both parents and children.' It is particularly relevant in recent months as scores of youngsters have been involved in vandalism and unruly behaviour amidst rioting in surrounding villages.
The students will learn football skills appropriate to their age and experience as well as game-play, strategy and teamwork. They will improve their fitness, co-ordination and agility and will be given medals and certificates each term to recognise their progress. According to Glia, this naturally incorporates lessons in communication and respect and improves social skills and discipline.
He added: ìBahrain is a wonderful place for children but we do lack entertainment and activities for them.
'TFA provides an outlet where so many nationalities can come together to offer children exposure to different cultures and languages. This helps them to integrate and appreciate the mixed society we have in Bahrain.'
The school boasts children of several nationalities including Bahrainis, Americans, British, Japanese, Lebanese, Moroccan, Dutch, German and Mexican coming together for the love of football.
Glia said: ìAt the moment we have two full-time coaches and an assistant coach. Both coaches have previously played at a professional level and can therefore impart good practical knowledge of the game.
ìThe coaches are fluent in Arabic, English and French but language is never an issue in our classes because all our children speak one Ö and that is football.'
Moroccan Glia is a former professional footballer and has represented his country at youth level playing in both midfield and striker roles. He also played in Spain, Oman and the UAE. Glia moved to Bahrain in 2002 and played for Hidd, East Riffa and Al Najma clubs. In 2006 he was forced to retire after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for Al Najma against West Riffa.
That is when he decided to pursue a career in coaching and went for his Football Association coaching qualifications. Although coaching has become his new passion Glia still finds time to play regularly for Oak FC, stars of the popular Expat League. The league’s top scorer with 17 goals in 11 games he was also voted ‘best player’.
The academy holds two classes a day from Sunday to Thursday between 4pm and 5.30pm. Classes cost BD47 per month for eight sessions (two per week) and a free lesson is available before registration for children to try it out first.
For more information visit www.tfabahrain.com
