MUSCAT: The inauguration of the Football Talent Development Centre was held under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, at Al Seeb Stadium on Tuesday. As part of the event, Basil al Rawas oversaw a training session and performance by players under the programme, managed by the centre's technical crews.
In line with Oman Vision 2040, the Oman Football Association (OFA) has entered into a partnership agreement with Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel (JSIS) for the project.
This national project is part of the Talent Support Programme initiated by the world football body Fifa in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth and in partnership with JSIS.
JSIS envisions cultivating a generation of talented athletes, aiming to amplify their potential and empower them to proudly represent the nation, showcasing its colours in diverse international competitions and events by the project's completion. This project is poised to inspire emerging young football talent, propelling them towards loftier goals and dreams by providing top-notch coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to realise their full potential.
Al Rawas conveyed his delight at the project's inauguration, emphasising its inherent value and the feasibility of its objectives. He stated, "Sports possesses the transformative power to inspire, unite, and build character. This initiative stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of our youth and elevating Oman's football to unprecedented heights. It underscores our ambitions for the future of Omani football, forging a robust pathway for youth to actively participate and excel."
He also remarked, "football is poised for a positive and ambitious future, given the nation's abundant talents, capabilities, and growing interest. I am delighted by the Ministry's active participation in this project, and I am confident in its success through the close cooperation and sustainable partnership between the public and private sectors.
"The strategic partnership between OFA and JSIS serves as a commendable example of collaboration between the public and private sectors. I hope the programme will play a pivotal role in talent selection and yield outcomes that align with the progress observed across various sectors of the country. This partnership also underscores the private sector's eagerness to contribute to achieving sports goals at elevated levels befitting our dear country."
In conclusion, Al Rawas affirmed, "The Ministry is committed to offering assistance and support for all targeted strategic projects and programmes. We anticipate that the project will yield promising qualitative outcomes by the end of 2026, benefiting Omani football and aligning with its goals, as well as fulfilling the aspirations of the fans."
Shaikh Salim bin Said al Wahaibi, Chairman of the Oman Football Association (OFA), expressed his joy at the commencement of the project's first edition, commending the Ministry's efforts. He also extended his gratitude to Basil al Rawas and Fifa for their support. Additionally, he praised the significance of the sustainable strategic partnership with JSIS, expressing hope for the project's success in positively impacting the football landscape in the Sultanate of Oman.
The Chairman of OFA remarked, "We take pride in our strategic partnership with JSIS to inaugurate this national project aimed at supporting and developing talent in the Sultanate of Oman. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to talent development and a sincere aspiration to attain sporting excellence. We firmly believe that the project will serve as a great source of inspiration for numerous ambitious young individuals, reflecting the nurturing environment fostered by the programme."
The unique Talent Centre is poised to take the lead in identifying promising young players and guiding them towards advancement in their football careers, potentially opening doors to top-class professional opportunities. Moreover, it will elevate young players' technical, tactical, and physical skills through meticulously structured training programmes while instilling essential values such as discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a robust work ethic in young athletes.
Harssha Shetty, Chief Executive Officer of JSIS, remarked, "Sports holds a unique position in nation-building. On the field, we imbibe the essence of teamwork, humility in defeat, camaraderie of sportsmanship, and the profound honour of representing our country and team. At JSIS, we wholeheartedly champion sports and youth, placing them at the core of our focus. Our ongoing support for the Oman Hockey Association and the successful partnership with the Oman Football Association last year underscores our commitment to nurturing athletic talent and contributing to the growth of Omani youth through various sporting initiatives."
He added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with OFA in launching the first-ever football academy in Oman. The inception of this Talent Center marks the beginning of many as we strive to inspire and consistently cultivate our youth's potential. This aligns seamlessly with our identity as an Omani company devoted to social investment and responsibility.
"Youth and sports stand as integral pillars of Oman Vision 2040. JSIS remains steadfast in ensuring that its endeavours harmonise with the vision of the Sultanate of Oman, considering these centres as a positive stride toward realising the overarching goal of supporting sports and bolstering the role of youth.
"The collaboration between JSIS and OFA will unlock numerous opportunities for ambitious Omani youth, providing a fully equipped centre to showcase their skills and compete at a global level. This partnership sets the stage for unprecedented achievements in the realm of football and underscores JSIS's steadfast commitment to embracing initiatives that contribute to the nation's progress, highlighting the company's ongoing efforts in nurturing young talent that will shape the future of the Sultanate."
He concluded, "The establishment of the Talent Development Centre aims to elevate players' skills, identify talent, foster skills and character development, and create a pathway for young talents to progress in professional football. This objective aligns with broader goals, including promoting a healthy lifestyle, enhancing community participation, and contributing to the national success of football."
Mohsin al Masroori, First Vice-Chairman of OFA, said, "According to the five-year plan for the project, the training schedule is set to commence in its initial phase with the establishment of four training centres in Muscat, three for juniors, and a fourth centre dedicated to girls. The project's scope is projected to expand, with preliminary estimates indicating the launch of eight new centres across the various governorates of the Sultanate in 2024."
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