Monday 28 / October / 2024
Muscat: Oman is poised to make sports history with the launch of the Oman Football Academy League (OFAL), the most extensive football academy competition ever held in the Sultanate.
Set to kick off on November 2, this groundbreaking tournament will bring together 74 academies and 190 teams from every corner of Oman, competing for the top honours.
Organised by Muscat Media Group (MMG) in partnership with the Oman Football Association (OFA), OFAL aims to set a new standard for youth football, nurturing young talent and building a platform for their development on regional and global stages.
The tournament welcomes teams in age categories under-16, under-14, under-12, and under-10, showcasing the best young football talent from Oman’s diverse governorates.
Initial qualifiers will be held in governorates, leading up to the final stage in Muscat in April 2025. Alongside team awards, players can compete for individual honours, including best player, best goalkeeper, and top scorer. Winners will also secure opportunities to compete in regional and international championships.
Fadi Kattar, Chairman of the OFAL Organising Committee, underscored the broader vision behind the championship. He said, “This championship goes beyond a mere sports competition. It is part of a strategic vision to develop football in the Sultanate by providing young players with exposure to high-level play and a supportive environment that nurtures their skills.”
Kattar further highlighted the importance of creating a professional platform that not only strengthens young players’ technical abilities but also instills a passion for the game. “We are committed to establishing a high-calibre environment that will serve as a training ground for our young talent, preparing them for future competitions and enhancing the quality of Omani football,” he added.
Chuck Martini, former English Premier League player and Head of Muscat Football Academy, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the opportunities OFAL will provide for young players. “This championship is a significant moment for youth football in Oman. We’ve ensured ideal preparations to create a space where participants can both showcase and refine their skills,” he said.
Martini emphasised the unique learning experience OFAL offers, adding, “It’s not only about competing; it’s about developing each player’s potential. By playing in this league, participants gain invaluable experience that will serve them on both national and international stages.”
Held at Cheltenham School’s state-of-the-art stadium, OFAL promises a full experience for spectators, with children’s sports competitions and entertainment enhancing the event. This landmark tournament underscores Oman’s commitment to nurturing young sports talent and supporting their development on a national and global scale.
With MMG, Oman’s largest media establishment, as a partner, OFAL will benefit from extensive coverage across TV, print, and digital platforms, ensuring broad engagement and visibility for young football talents across the Sultanate.
