18 Feb 2026
The second edition of Aspire Academy’s annual Spread Your Wings Football Cup has successfully concluded with two more champions, one from government schools and one from private schools.
The tournament launched in 2024 as part of Aspire Academy’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, with the winners of the inaugural edition crowned in April 2025.
This year’s event featured players from the 2017 generation, and each tournament featured eight squads of up to 10 players competing in five-a-side matches on a knockout basis.
Joining hosts Iqra Academy Muaither at the event for private schools were Al Jazeera Academy, Al Maha Academy for Boys, Royal International School, Awfaz Global School, Edison International Academy, Al Andalus Primary Private School and Arab International Academy.
Former professional players Mohammed Mubarak and Fuhaid Al-Shammari were among the spectators at the event. They presented the medals to the winners, Arab International Academy, and the runners-up, Awfaz Global School.
Abdullah Bin Zaid Almahmoud hosted the event for government schools. It featured seven other schools: Ali Bin Abdullah, Bilal Bin Rabbah, Abi Hanifa, Al Muthana Bin Haritha, Saad Bin Abi Waqqas, Othman Bin Afan and Al Ikhlas.
Aspire Academy’s Football Administration Director, Saeed Al-Marri, attended the tournament and was on hand to give out the winners' medals to Ali Bin Abdullah, while Al Ikhlas received silver ones as runners-up.
“We are delighted that this second edition of the Spread Your Wings Football Cup has been a success, as we offer these young players a chance to not only enjoy themselves but also to compete against one another,” he said.
“Once again, it gives us at Aspire Academy the chance to discover new talent from both across government and private schools.”
“We are excited to identify the possible stars of the future and at the prospect of nurturing some of them to become future champions.”
“Thanks to the efforts of Aspire’s Talent Centre Department, who ensured this whole event ran smoothly.”
The tournaments highlight the Academy’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes and provide an opportunity to showcase sport as part of a healthy lifestyle and to promote the values of teamwork, inclusivity, and social cohesion.
The events provided an opportunity for the youngsters to demonstrate their talent in a competitive environment. They gave Aspire Academy’s football scouts a valuable platform to identify promising young players who could potentially join the Academy’s football program.
The Spread Your Wings Football Cup was named after the slogan used to officially open Aspire Academy in 2005.
The tournament reinforces Aspire Academy’s mission of offering platforms that help young athletes unlock their potential and pursue their dreams on and off the field.