26 Sep 2023
The start of the 2023-24 academic year at Aspire Academy has continued with the hosting of the annual First Parents’ Induction Meeting.
One of the key messages of the meeting was to emphasise the need for the Academy and the parents to work together so that their sons can thrive.
The meeting was opened by the Deputy Director of Education and Student Affairs, Mr Ali Al-Hitmi, who spoke on behalf of the Academy’s senior management.
“First, we welcome parents to this induction meeting as we outline our partnership with you that will last for more than six years,” he said.
“We will work together so Aspire can produce students who are accepted into university or who will have a sports career, armed with all the skills that are required to face the future ahead.”
“The senior management of the Academy welcomes the student-athletes as we welcome your co-operation in the common interests and goals that we have.”
“We all want to promote sport and produce outstanding athletes to raise the flag of Qatar high, whether as a parent, coach, teacher or administrator in this academy.”
After his opening remarks, he welcomed members of staff from several other departments to the stage.
Mr Esmail Abdulghani the Head of the Football Team Co-ordinators represented the Football Department, while Dr Mohammed Essa Al Thawadi from the Sports Department attended as did Dr Francisco Moreira of Aspire Academy’s Sports Medicine Centre and the School Principal Mr Jassem Al Jaber School Principal spoke on behalf of the Education and Students Affairs Department.
The four speakers each outlined how their department and team of experts will work together towards the development of the student-athletes during their time at the Academy.
Mr Abdulghani explained the role the parents can play in helping the Football Department.
“It is important that the parents understand how the football department operates, how we develop players and how we select them to be part of Aspire's elite teams,” he said.
“The importance of family support is paramount in order to encourage their sons to be dedicated and to follow Aspire Academy’s training sessions and methods.”
“We pride ourselves on being one of the top high-performance academies in the region and indeed in the world.”
School principal Mr Al Jaber further emphasised the teamwork needed throughout the academy to ensure the best learning environment for the student-athletes.
“We believe in the role of parents as partners in the educational and athletic development of the student-athletes,” he said.
“This meeting allows the parents to meet with staff from the different departments and learn more about the many activities, goals and strategies that will be implemented during this year.”
“This kind of co-operation means that they can be the best supporters for their children and the Academy as they assist their children to reach their full potential.”
On behalf of the Sports Department, Dr Mohamed Essa Al-Thuwadi, Head coordinators team at the sports department, told the parents about the many experts involved in the everyday life of the student-athletes from coaches to physiology to nutrition to psychology.
“One of the most important things though is our relationship with you the parents,” he said.
“We will liaise with you about their training camps for example and we are here to answer your questions.”
“I would also like to ask you the parents to help us with making sure your sons get rest – when your sons come home that rest and recovery time is as vital as the hard work they do here at the academy.”
On behalf of the Sports Medicine Department, Dr. Moreira talked about the advantages of working closely with the Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.
“It is clear to me that the parents know that this is a special place and they understand that we have a medical team that is supported by Aspetar,” he said.
“And this is something that is unique not just here in Qatar and the region but I think it's unique in the world,”
“It has become more and more evident that the parents understand the importance of having a very comprehensive coverage for their sons from a health, injury and illness perspective.”
“They appreciate we offer the highest level of support.”
Parent Salem Al Marri was thankful for the meeting and the continued collaboration between the families and the Academy.
“I thank them for these continuous meetings they are a fruitful link so that parents are fully aware of the programme from A to Z,” he added.
“It helps us understand that every part of the Academy is dedicated to helping the student-athletes and educating the parents.”
“We are fully aware of anything that needs to be improved as well as all the positive things as we can communicate in a variety of ways with the supervisors or teachers, who are making a tremendous effort which we thank them for.”