Aspire Academy
Aspire Academy has completed the running of a module of the AFC Pro-Licence- Diploma Coaching Course conducted under the auspices of Qatar Football Association (QFA). The world-renowned academy was called upon by QFA to put together and run a “Performance Module” – as part of the first phase of the course. For 10 days (20- 29 September 2021) 26 participants attended the course at ultra-modern Aspire Academy Football Performance Centre with Aspire Director of Football Performance and Science, Professor Valter Di Salvo, and his team alongside QFA and international instructors conducting the sessions.
Professor Valter Di Salvo underscored the role Aspire Academy is playing in the running of the most important and highest course that AFC offers, “The Performance Module on this course has been designed by Aspire Academy Football Performance & Science Department and this includes both the theory and practical aspects. The strong working relationship that exists between Aspire Academy, QFA and AFC is exemplified by this undertaking. For AFC and QFA to let Aspire Academy run this Module shows the recognition of the quality, strength, and value of our work in the field of Football Performance and Science and we are proud of the contribution and support to coach education in Asia, “said Professor Valter Di Salvo.
The participants on the course are from West Asia region and include coaches from Kuwait, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, Palestine, Yemen, and host country Qatar. Among those attending the course are Qatar Stars League coach of Al Arabi, Younis Ali, and Al- kharaitiyatt First team head coach and former Qatar international player Wisam Riziq.
Speaking on the side-lines of the course at Aspire FPC, former Qatar international player Wisam Riziq said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to get the highest coaching qualification which will help me reach my ambition to coach Qatar national youth teams “
The main instructor on the AFC Pro-Licence- Diploma Coaching Course is Kari Ukkonen from Finland and he will be assisted by QFA and AFC football coach instructor, Wisam Shamil who will supervise the practical and theoretical debates on the course.
Wisam Shamil highlighted the fantastic cooperation between Aspire Academy and QFA which allows such a high-level course to be held at a world class facility like Aspire FPC. “This facility at Aspire Academy is so ideal for the physical fitness practical part of the module. There is such a harmonious working together with stakeholders in football in Qatar which enable such partnerships hence Qatar football is on the rise on and off the pitch, said Wisam Shamil
Meanwhile UEFA and Finland Coach Education Specialist High Performance, Kari Ukkonen said he was pleasantly surprised by what he had seen of Qatar since he was last in the country eight years ago, “I have to thank Aspire for such well organization and facilities to educate, the top. I think Aspire Academy is the core of a learning environment. Highly competent specialists to explain, lead and demonstrate the topic and focus. Coaches able to see, feel and experience different aspects of the topic, interaction with specialists and peer coaches. I think this type of high-performance education/environment will be difficult to create elsewhere in the world. I wish there is way to continue this high-performance module with Aspire in the future. These coaches understanding of high performance and quality of coaching is enhanced and it will be serving Qatar national football development” said the Finn.