SAFF Launches Club Academy Development Project

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has launched a comprehensive project to develop club academies across the Saudi Pro League and the first and second division leagues, establishing a sustainable pathway for developing elite talent. The project was unveiled during a club forum held in Riyadh and attended by SAFF Secretary-General Majed Alsahib, SAFF Football Executive Director Matt Crocker, FIFA High-Performance and Talent Development Specialist Philippe Senderos, and representatives of the 68 participating clubs.

Context and Background

The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to elevating its football ecosystem in line with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance quality of life through sports and entertainment. By focusing on grassroots and academy development, SAFF seeks to build a robust pipeline of homegrown talent capable of competing at the highest levels domestically and internationally.

SAFF is implementing the project in partnership with Double Pass, a Belgian academy development consultancy whose portfolio includes associations in England, Germany, Italy, and Japan. This collaboration underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy to adopt international best practices and accelerate the professionalization of its football infrastructure.

Key Details

During the forum, Majed Alsahib highlighted the role of academies in expanding the national football talent base. Matt Crocker outlined the project’s strategic direction and operational workstreams, while Philippe Senderos underscored FIFA’s support for developing sustainable, long-term talent systems.

The project applies international benchmarks and standardized assessments across several key areas, including talent identification, pathways to first teams, the sports environment, infrastructure, staff competency, digital analytics, and governance. It will run across three evaluation cycles through 2030, beginning in the 2026/2027 season with comprehensive baseline evaluations of all 68 academies, followed by customized development plans. Subsequent cycles will track institutional progress, supported by financial and operational incentives linked to productivity and player transfer returns.

Implications and Impact

This academy development project is set to transform the landscape of Saudi football by creating a systematic approach to nurturing young players. It aims to maximize the technical and market value of homegrown players, reducing reliance on expensive foreign imports and fostering a self-sustaining football economy. The involvement of FIFA and Double Pass lends credibility and ensures alignment with global standards, which could enhance the competitiveness of Saudi clubs in Asian and international competitions.

Furthermore, the project aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting youth development, creating career opportunities, and enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a hub for sports excellence. It also supports the Ministry of Sport’s objectives to increase participation and fan engagement, contributing to a vibrant sports sector.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The SAFF Club Academy Development Project exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by investing in human capital and building world-class sports infrastructure. As the Kingdom continues to host major international events and attract global talent, initiatives like this ensure a lasting legacy that empowers Saudi youth and strengthens the nation’s position in the global football community. Through such strategic efforts, Saudi Arabia is not only shaping its football future but also contributing to the diversification of its economy and the enrichment of its society.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the SAFF Club Academy Development Project?

A1. It is a comprehensive initiative by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to develop club academies across the Saudi Pro League and first and second divisions, creating a sustainable pathway for elite talent.

Q2. When was the project launched?

A2. The project was launched in September 2026 during a club forum in Riyadh, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q3. Who attended the unveiling of the project?

A3. Attendees included SAFF Secretary-General Majed Alsahib, SAFF Football Executive Director Matt Crocker, FIFA High-Performance and Talent Development Specialist Philippe Senderos, and representatives of 68 participating clubs.

Q4. What is the main goal of the project?

A4. The main goal is to establish a sustainable pathway for developing elite talent, expanding the national football talent base and maximizing the technical and market value of homegrown players.

Q5. Which clubs are involved in the project?

A5. All 68 clubs from the Saudi Pro League and the first and second division leagues are participating in the project.

Q6. Who is Double Pass and what is their role?

A6. Double Pass is a Belgian academy development consultancy that has worked with associations in England, Germany, Italy, and Japan. They are partnering with SAFF to apply international benchmarks and assessments.

Q7. What areas will the project assess?

A7. The project will assess talent identification, pathways to first teams, the sports environment, infrastructure, staff competency, digital analytics, and governance.

Q8. How long will the project run?

A8. The project will run across three evaluation cycles through 2030, starting with the 2026/2027 season.

Q9. What happens in the first evaluation cycle?

A9. The first cycle involves comprehensive baseline evaluations of all 68 academies, followed by customized development plans for each club.

Q10. What incentives are provided for clubs?

A10. Financial and operational incentives are linked to productivity and player transfer returns, encouraging clubs to develop and promote homegrown talent.

Q11. How does FIFA support the project?

A11. FIFA, through specialist Philippe Senderos, underscores its support for developing sustainable, long-term talent systems, providing expertise and credibility.

Q12. What is the significance of this project for Saudi football?

A12. It aims to transform Saudi football by creating a systematic approach to nurturing young players, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and fostering a self-sustaining football economy.

Q13. How does the project align with Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030 by investing in human capital, promoting youth development, creating career opportunities, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a sports hub.

Q14. What is the role of Majed Alsahib in the project?

A14. As SAFF Secretary-General, Majed Alsahib highlighted the role of academies in expanding the national football talent base during the forum.

Q15. What did Matt Crocker outline at the forum?

A15. Matt Crocker, SAFF Football Executive Director, outlined the project’s strategic direction and operational workstreams.

Q16. How will progress be tracked?

A16. Progress will be tracked through subsequent evaluation cycles after the baseline assessments, measuring institutional progress and the effectiveness of development plans.

Q17. What are the expected outcomes of the project?

A17. Expected outcomes include a larger pool of elite Saudi players, improved club competitiveness, and increased technical and market value of homegrown talent.

Q18. Will the project involve digital analytics?

A18. Yes, digital analytics is one of the key areas assessed, helping clubs use data to enhance player development and performance.

Q19. How does this project benefit Saudi youth?

A19. It provides structured pathways for young athletes to develop their skills, potentially leading to professional careers and contributing to the growth of football in the Kingdom.

Q20. What is the long-term vision for Saudi football academies?

A20. The long-term vision is to create world-class academies that consistently produce elite players, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading football nation in Asia and globally.

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