The Peninsula
Aspire Academy held a virtual induction meeting on Zoom with the parents of the 70 new student-athletes selected to attend the Academy in the new academic year 2020/2021 on full scholarships. This is going to be one of the largest batches of young talent to ever join Aspire Academy since its establishment in 2004.
Their formal enrollment follows three stages of intensive physical and psychological trials in talent identification in schools and at the Academy’s facilities. Impressing Aspire scouts during this process, the talented 10 and 11-year-old boys were recognised for their efforts during the whole selection process.
During this virtual meeting, the parents were welcomed by Academy officials, including Jassem Al Jaber, Aspire Academy School Principal, Abdulaziz Al Jedaia, Student Affairs services Manager, Mohammed Essa Al Thawadi, Head of Team Coordinators, representing the sports department, Fahad Al Shammari, Head of Feeder Teams Administration, representing the football Department, Abdallah Al Afifi, Dormitory Manage, and Mrs Roula Mattar, Senior Nurse in charge, representing the Aspire Health Center.
The induction event began with a brief opening speech of Al-Jedaia, who welcomed the parents of the new students by saying: “We are incredibly excited to welcome these boys into the Academy. It is a great achievement to be offered a place here and they should all be tremendously proud of such an achievement.”
In his turn, Jaber, stressed the importance of trust between the Academy and the student athletes’ families, adding: “We need you to work with us to help your sons to reach their full potential. Being at Aspire Academy will not only provide them with the perfect balance between academics and sports, but also make them grounded men who respect others. They will travel the world, building a global outlook and an understanding that you have to work hard to pursue what you want to achieve.”
The meeting continued with a brief introduction of the different departments and explained the process of the kids’ enrollment at the academy. The speakers also talked about the experience of balancing sports training and an academic education, and how the students manage to cope with relatively longer school days compared to normal schools.
The parents were assured that their kids will be cared for very well while receiving the highest education and professional trainings. The main speakers also answered parents’ questions and concerns, indicating the doors are always open for direct day to day contact with the academy would day have any questions or issues to be clarified