Academy players in action.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30 (KUNA): Soccer academies in Kuwait have emerged as a year-round destination for children and youth, offering both physical and mental development opportunities.

These academies not only enhance athletic skills but also teach essential values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, resilience in the face of defeat, friendship, and confidence, benefiting children's growth from as early as age four.

With limited vacancies in local clubs, many aspiring Footballers across age groups are turning to academies as viable alternatives. Although academies provide training comparable to clubs, families bear the cost of enrollment, and sessions are typically limited to a maximum of three days per week.

In a statement for KUNA, academy owner Mohammad Saleh said he established his licensed academy in 2019 after completing the necessary government procedures.

He emphasized the challenge posed by unlicensed academies, which often offer low-cost subscriptions with minimal training value and little adherence to the principles of sports.

Saleh noted that his academy has successfully graduated several players who have gone on to join Kuwait's national youth team. He stressed the importance of recruiting qualified coaches, as they are pivotal to any academy's success. His coaching staff is selected based on stringent criteria to ensure the delivery of high-quality training in Football fundamentals and ethics.

He pointed out that one of the persistent challenges facing academy operators is the shortage of suitable training grounds, with demand often exceeding availability. Ensuring player safety is also paramount, and all academies should be equipped with first aid materials to handle emergencies.

Regarding Kuwait's summer heat, Saleh noted that training sessions begin after sunset to avoid extreme temperatures, making it more comfortable for players. He added that summer months see increased enrollment due to the suspension of club activities, as families seek to keep their children physically active and productively engaged.

In a similar statement for KUNA, academy coach Yousef Khajah highlighted the importance of early Football education, whereas young ages are ideal for skill development.

Specialized coaches, he said, are better equipped to guide and improve young players, and the academy often invites well-known Kuwaiti Footballers to serve as role models and sources of inspiration.

Khajah added that his primary goal is to instill teamwork, mutual support, and sportsmanship in players, along with basic Football skills. He noted that keeping children active in such programs is far more beneficial than prolonged exposure to electronic games, which contribute to tiredness and distraction.

On his part, academy player Saleh Mohammad told KUNA that he has been part of the academy since its founding in 2019. Now a key player in the national youth team, he credited the academy with developing his talent and supporting his psychological well-being.

He noted that several of his teammates also came through similar academies, highlighting their role in preparing national-level players.

He added that summer training at the academy helps him stay fit during the off-season, allowing him to resume club and national duties at peak physical readiness. He urged his peers to use their free time in summer constructively by engaging in sports activities.

On the other hand, academy owner Abdullah Abdulhassan told KUNA that his facility employs an experienced team of professional coaches, particularly from Spain, due to their advanced training techniques and tactical knowledge.

He emphasized the importance of inclusive age policies, accepting players aged four and above without an upper age limit to ensure that older participants can also benefit from physical activity.

Abdulhassan said working in the academy sector is rewarding, especially when a player advances to a professional club or national team, which motivates continued dedication. He underscored the importance of fostering self-confidence, friendships, and holistic development in young athletes, shaping them as individuals, not just players.

He acknowledged the financial burden some families face when enrolling multiple children, but stressed that the long-term benefits to their health, discipline, and personal growth far outweigh the costs, as he called for the formation of a promising generation to serve Kuwaiti Football in the future.

He also noted that while local clubs pause activities during summer, many players prefer to remain active. As a result, families increasingly turn to academies to sustain physical fitness. Some academies rent indoor facilities, while others schedule sessions after sunset to avoid daytime heat.

Similarly, academy owner Abdulrahman Omar told KUNA that his main objective in establishing the academy was to nurture talent and teach Football fundamentals, especially to youth who often lack access to sports activities during summer or due to limited club spaces.

He said summer training typically begins at 7:30 p.m., when temperatures begin to drop. Training sessions are divided into two parts: the first includes recreational activities, while the second focuses on Football drills, fitness enhancement, and friendly matches.

Omar added that academies nowadays mirror club-level activity by participating in mini-leagues and arranging matches with local teams. Some even organize overseas camps, providing players with valuable experience and boosting their confidence and development in competitive environments.

He concluded by highlighting key challenges, most notably the scarcity of training grounds and the lack of financial support. Despite participation from nearly 20 academies in local tournaments, the absence of sponsors means that academies often do not recoup expenses.