Aspire Academy’s 10th Global Summit concludes

The star-studded 10th edition of the Aspire Academy Global Summit concluded at Qatar’s Regency Sealine Camp, bringing together leaders from 50 top football organisations worldwide. Over two days, the summit provided a platform for exchanging groundbreaking insights on sports science, coaching techniques and performance, with a key focus on inspiring the next generation of sports leaders.Ali Salem Afif, Chairman of the Aspire Academy Global Summit, shared his pride in hosting the summit in Qatar this year, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of Aspire Academy’s founding. "We are proud to hold the 10th edition of this summit in Qatar during this exceptional year,” said Afif. "The summit took place in a unique atmosphere that blended in-depth technical and professional work with recreational activities in the heart of Qatar’s desert, in the Sealine area. This had a positive impact on participants from around the world.”The Global Summit compliments the work done all-year-round work by the Aspire in the World Fellows community. He thanked the organising committee members and the Marketing and Communications Department, led by Alanoud al-Misnad, for their invaluable efforts.Al-Misnad said that hosting the summit in the breathtaking setting of Qatar’s Sealine Desert brings a special essence to this 10th edition, reflecting an aspect of our nation’s culture.Al-Misnad, who also serves as a member of the summit’s organising committee, added that the impressive attendance and broad participation of Aspire Fellows from around the world, along with prominent guest speakers, highlight the importance of the Aspire Academy Global Summit. After ten years since its inaugural edition in Paris in 2014, it is inspiring to see this 10th edition in Qatar receiving such outstanding international participation and engagement over two full days.Al-Misnad also acknowledged the strong support the summit receives from Aspire Academy, the parent Aspire Zone Foundation, and longstanding partners, including Al Kass Sports Channels — the official broadcaster of the summit since its inception, the Qatar Football Association and Qatar Stars League.The summit’s first day concluded with an unforgettable gala dinner, held amidst the stunning desert landscapes of the Outpost Al Barari. VIP guests, Aspire in the World Fellows, and sponsors enjoyed an exceptional dining experience under the starry sky with the sand beneath their feet.The evening’s highlight was a Star Chat with Italian basketball coach Sergio Scariolo, current head coach of the Spanish national basketball team. Under his leadership, Spain has won both a World Cup and four European Basketball Championship titles. During his talk, Scariolo shared valuable coaching techniques and emphasised the importance of continual learning and building strong connections with players."One of the most important tips I can give is a word you should all keep away from — ‘complacency’,” Scariolo shared. "Never be satisfied and think your job is done. To stay at the top, you need to keep improving and changing.”He reflected on how his approach to communication has evolved over time, stating: "In the beginning, communication meant telling players what to do and staying on top of everything. With experience and maturity, I learned that communication is about listening, being patient, and being aware of body language.”Unfortunately, former Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta was unable to attend the summit due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the event continued on its second day with an exciting lineup of roundtables and workshops. A key session focused on the technical and tactical evolution of football over the past decade. Gerrard Trives Guardiola from Barcelona’s Methodology Department provided valuable insights into how the club’s style of play has adapted following the departure of legends like Lionel Messi and Neymar. He stressed the importance of allowing young players to express themselves while adapting to evolving tactical demands.Meanwhile, Jose Tavares, Academy Director at Porto FC, emphasised the need to anticipate future trends in football to start implementing change early. He also discussed the significance of emotional moments in a player’s journey and how these can be harnessed to motivate players to achieve more. Cristian Javier Ramirez Lizana, Tactical Performance Analyst for the Brazilian Women’s National Team, highlighted that effective communication is not only about how information is delivered, but equally about how it is received. He stressed the importance of understanding how different players process feedback, so technical staff can tailor their approach accordingly.The Future of Football Performance: What’s Next?Darragh Connolly, Head of Academy Performance at Juventus, emphasized the importance of preparing young players for professional football as academies expand across various age groups. He stressed that the entire structure of a football club must be aligned to ensure players are ready for the challenges of the professional game.Rick Cost, Director of High Performance at US Soccer, pointed out that a one-size-fits-all approach to development is not feasible across all football institutions. He advocated for tailored strategies and philosophies that cater to the unique needs of each club and player. Looking ahead, Cost highlighted the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform football. He urged delegates to stay ahead of this trend, stressing the importance of using AI wisely to enhance coaching and performance analysis.In a special moment, Aspire Academy graduate and four-time Olympic high jump medallist Mutaz Barshim made a guest appearance during the final afternoon of the summit. His presence underscored the Academy’s commitment to excellence across all sporting disciplines.The summit also recognized several members of the Aspire in the World Fellows with special awards, honouring their contributions and unwavering support throughout the last 10 editions of the Global Summit.