In a landmark event held in Manama, Bahrain, FIFA marked a significant achievement in its Talent Development Scheme (TDS) with a ceremony celebrating the progress of Bahrain’s FIFA Talent Academy. The academy has emerged as a shining example of success under the TDS, reflecting Bahrain’s strong commitment to nurturing young football talent.
The event was attended by His Excellency Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Football Association, and Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development. Their presence underscored Bahrain’s pivotal role in advancing FIFA’s vision for talent development worldwide.
Launched in February 2022, the TDS has positively impacted over 200 FIFA Member Associations, offering them resources and guidance to ensure that talented players are identified and developed. The overarching goal is to elevate the standard of national-team football globally, for both men and women, while creating a lasting legacy of structured talent development.
A key objective of the TDS is to establish 75 elite FIFA Talent Academies worldwide by the end of 2027, as outlined in FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game. Dedicated FIFA talent coaches are being deployed globally to establish academies that provide best-practice training environments for young players of all genders.
The FIFA Talent Academy in Bahrain, one of over 20 operational academies, has been instrumental in the program’s success. The milestone event in Manama highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment where young players can develop both on and off the pitch.
“Bahrain has been a pioneer in the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and I want to thank you for your support. Together, we celebrate the great progress that has been made,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a video message. He added, “We are also aware that football has an important role to play beyond the pitch, so the FIFA Talent Academies will look to develop well-rounded individuals by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership through football in a safe environment. This will ensure that players not only excel on the pitch but also grow as responsible, contributing members of society.”
Each FIFA Talent Academy is designed to prioritize safeguarding and education as core elements. By ensuring a safe and nurturing environment, the academies aim to holistically develop players, equipping them with the skills and values necessary to succeed both in football and in life.
“The ultimate objectives of FIFA Talent Academies are to develop young players by providing them with the highest levels of training, education, and development to help them reach their full potential, contributing to the overall growth of football in the country,” said Arsène Wenger. FIFA’s tailored approach for each member association aims to create a sustainable football ecosystem, combining education with sport and providing resources, infrastructure, and coaching expertise to elevate the game globally.
As FIFA celebrates the success of Bahrain’s Talent Academy, this milestone serves as a testament to the transformative power of the TDS and the collective commitment to advancing football worldwide. The event in Manama is the first of many celebrations planned for 2025, showcasing the growing network of FIFA Talent Academies and their role in shaping the future of football.
Source: FIFA
