04 Feb 2026
Aspire Academy and the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Qatar have reaffirmed their strong and enduring partnership, with an agreement on new initiatives in both Qatar and Europe aimed at social development through sport.
Building on this solid foundation, Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy, welcomed H.E. Dr Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Qatar, to Aspire Academy. The pair discussed expanding cooperation through new joint initiatives.
A key part of moving the partnership forward will be the third edition of Aspire Academy’s Workshop Tour, which will take place in Romania in April 2026, marking the initiative’s first-ever stop in Europe.
In addition, both parties agreed to organise a joint Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in Qatar in May 2026, in connection with Europe Day on 9 May. The initiative will use the unifying power of sport to promote inclusivity, social cohesion, and support for underprivileged communities—values central to both Aspire Academy’s and the European Union’s goals.
Aspire Academy’s Director General Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy, welcomed the latest step in the relationship with the European Union.
“Over the past few years, Aspire Academy has been delighted to support the EU Delegation to the State of Qatar by providing venues and expertise for the Summer Camps,” he said.
“Through this collaboration, we were honoured to welcome hundreds of underprivileged children from Syria and Gaza, creating meaningful experiences through sport.”
“Building on this successful partnership, we are pleased to embark on a new chapter with The Workshop Tour Europe – Bucharest 2026, in collaboration with the Romanian Football Federation and UEFA.”
“This initiative represents not only an important step in football performance knowledge sharing, but also an opportunity to empower young people through education, sport, sustainability, and CSR activities.”
H.E. Dr Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Qatar, explained why they chose once again to work closely with Aspire Academy.
“Because of their sports ecosystem, their values, the way this academy has inspired children, parents, people, locally, regionally, and globally.”
“Aspire Academy is the number one institution, in my opinion, in the whole GCC when it comes to finding talent through sports, for development, for creating performance, but also how they can link performance training with the community.”
“It has only been natural to us at the EU here in Doha to work together more because we see sports not only when it comes to the health benefits but also as a way to bring people together and to develop communities.”
Aspire Academy and the EU are set to continue their partnership and develop future initiatives that advance sustainable development, international cooperation, and positive social impact through sport.