Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Tenacious Bahraini teen Ali Al Tajir is taking another shot at footballing glory after convincing his parents to believe in his dream and securing a trial at an elite training course in the UK, for the second time.
The plucky 18-year-old’s football skills and dedication earned him a spot at Manchester International Football Academy (MIFA) during spring break last year, but his parents’ reluctance for him to abandon his studies seemingly put paid to the opportunity.
Ali, from Sehla, said: “At first my parents were shocked when I mentioned that I wanted to be a footballer. I was the only person in the family to propose such a dream. They didn’t know how to handle it.”
His father, Habib, a retired employee at the Ministry of Health and mother Jalila, a retired doctor, were not keen on that idea and asked him to hold off on the matter in the hopes he would choose another path.
However, Ali’s dream was still very much alive after graduating from secondary school this year. He was accepted to study computer engineering at the University of Manchester and the attacking midfielder and winger, who will be flying out in a couple of months, plans to use the opportunity for a second trial at MIFA.
“It seems my persistence paid off because now my parents are starting to ease into the idea of it. All they want is for me to be happy and get an education,” Ali said.
Luckily for his parents, MIFA encourages youngsters’ development in areas besides football skills. It runs training and study programmes where football players can gain internationally-recognised qualifications during the 24-week course.
Ali believes that travelling abroad is his best shot of making it as a professional. He said: “Bahraini footballers have the talent to be top players but unfortunately we don’t have many opportunities here in terms of being discovered.
“Most popular football clubs will not come to Bahrain in search of players so you need to go out there and make your own destiny.”
Ali, who has been playing football since the age of 10, is preparing for the challenge with his long-time coach Zaher Asbool the manager and head coach of Legends Soccer Academy in Karranah.
Coach Zaher believes that Ali has the talent and the determination to achieve great things in the sport.
He said: “Ali is a good footballer and I believe he can go far. He is currently being treated for an injury in his pelvis and once he is ready I will work on developing his speed and strength so that he can impress the coaches in Manchester.
“He has done the trial before and gotten accepted. I believe he can do it again.”
Coach Zaher works with hopeful players between the ages of four and 18 that want to either learn the game or become future players. He has moulded young boys into football stars, some of which are playing in the local league.
However, coach Zaher has found some players have an issue moving forward due to lack of support from family.
He said: “It’s difficult for some teens here that want to be footballers because some parents don’t see the value in it. They want their children to be doctors and engineers. But what they don’t see is that these kids have a talent, which is a gift from God.
“If a child was an artist, wouldn’t you take him or her to an institute to apply the trade? Why not for football? Ali for example was approached by the Bahrain National Under 14 and Under 16 teams but he never made it onto the pitch out of respect for his parents’ wishes.
“Education is important but just because you are a football player, it doesn’t mean you can’t have an education.
“My parents were the same way back in the day. I wanted to play football but they wanted me to focus on my studies. When I went to Dallas, Texas, for further education, I received my coaching license and now have an academy in Bahrain.”
To raise awareness and help guide players in the right direction, coach Zaher has linked up with Aspire Educational Services, a company in Bahrain, which provides students within the region with advice and referrals to top international football schools that value education.
Ashwaq Ali Salman, Aspire’s managing director, had faced a similar situation with her own 16-year-old son Bader Malek who told her of his decision to become a professional player two years ago. She said: “When Bader told me he wanted to be a footballer I was worried about his career choice.
“I could tell he had his heart set on it so decided to do some research on my own. That’s when I realised that just because he wanted to be a football player it doesn’t mean he cannot get a good education. There are many courses geared towards sport, such as marketing and management, which can be a great back-up plan for after he retires as an athlete.
“Going through this helped me understand the fears and concerns that other parents go through. That’s when I joined Aspire. It connects students with international football academies, academic year soccer boarding schools and even monthly summer camps abroad. The aim is to help young soccer players with major decisions that can affect their life and prepare them to succeed in a competitive international soccer environment.”
Bader is completing his high school education and training to be a footballer at EduKick Manchester Football Academy, which offers its students English language study and immersion, academic study and professional soccer training.
Bader said: “Since I have been here I have learned about responsibility, discipline in timings and how to be independent. My advice to others following this path: ‘don’t stop dreaming’. If you want something you need to work hard at it, stay healthy and talk to your parents. With communication you can prepare for your future.”
