RIYADH: Vice President of Barcelona Club Javier Faus revealed here Thursday that his club and Fitness Time will be setting up seven football academies in Saudi Arabia, of which, three will be in Riyadh and two each in the Western and Eastern Provinces. Fitness Time has been chosen as the official partner of FC Barcelona in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The press conference was held at Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski in Riyadh in the presence of Chairman and CEO of Leejam Sports Company, Abdulmohsen Al-Haqbani, Chief Officer for Operation (COO) Fahd Al-Haqbani and Barcelona Club General Manager for Marketing Laurent Colette.
Mohiuddin Nadher, deputy executive director of the Saudi Professional League Association, Saudi Football Federation member Ahmed AlAqeel, and media representatives were among those who were present.
“We have a rich experience in the field of football since Barcelona was founded in 1899,” Faus said.
He noted that through this partnership they are seeking to promote their values without any investment target. However, he stressed at the same time that Fitness Time is one of the strategic partners brought in to promote their values and vision.
According to him, his club will be sending qualified coaches to each academy. The existence of Barcelona academies in various countries would not have been possible without the signing of contracts for highly skilled players like Messi, Neymar, Suarez and others.
He continued: “I do not expect these schools to give birth to a next Messi; rather it is to promote the love of football as it benefits us through the emergence of talent that supports the club in future. There will be a mix of young players and professional players to be absorbed.”
For his part, Al-Haqbani said they are delighted to be in partnership with a big club like Barcelona. He said the club’s partnership is for its professionalism and popularity in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, along with distinctive professionals in the Spanish club, which was consistent with the company’s policies.
Pointing out that this partnership is part of its social responsibility, he said the schools are intended for children from four to 15 years and will have a monthly fee to cover operating costs. He said the academy aims to educate players and their commitment to sportsmanship and fair competition, in addition to promoting exercise of children through sport because of the great importance in supporting health and proper lifestyle.
Al-Haqbani indicated that the terms of the partnership include sending 30 children to the club’s academy in Barcelona for four days at the main academic headquarters in Barcelona.