17 Dec 2017
Doha, 17 December 2017. Prior to his country’s U-21 national side taking on Qatar national Olympic team in an international football friendly match in Doha, the President of the Serbian Football Association, Mr Slavisa Kokeza accompanied by Sport Director, Mr Goran Bunjevcevic, visited Aspire Academy on Sunday 17th December. The Serbians were welcomed by Aspire Academy Director of Sport and Strategy, Mr Markus Egger who then led the visitors on guided tour of the Academy.
“We have a strong relationship with Qatar Football Association hence our being here for the youth friendly match and we wanted to see the world famous Aspire Academy while in Qatar. It is truly impressive and l have not come across any sports academy like this anywhere in the world. Aspire Academy and its operations are simply a yardstick for anyone in the world who wants to develop sport and the people of Serbia and the people of Qatar are going to work together for youth sport development,” said Mr Kokeza
The delegation was impressed about the set of the Academy and what it offers and how the staff is focused on developing Qatar’s future sports and football stars. “We can exchange notes on coaching and youth development methods with Qatar Football Association as we both as have both scored some successes in this area, our U-20 national team were winners of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and Qatar won the 2014 AFC Championships. I am sure even our coaching programs can build on each other’s experience and strengths. Judging from the efforts that l see here at Aspire, I am sure that Qatar will put together a competitive team in 2022 and one that will represent the country well at your home World Cup.”