Renowned Coach Yahya Al-Ghassani Launches YA10 Football Academy, Empowering Aspiring Athletes
Sara KhaledUAE Football Star Yahya Al Ghassani Launches Youth Academy to Transform Emirates' Football Landscape
UAE national team midfielder Yahya Al Ghassani has officially launched his own football academy, "YA10 Football Academy," in partnership with ProSport Academy, marking a significant investment in the country's youth development infrastructure. The initiative reflects a growing trend among Emirati athletes to reinvest in local talent cultivation as the UAE positions itself as a regional sports hub.
Strategic Partnership Aims to Reshape Youth Development
Al Ghassani, who plays for Shabab Al Ahli and represents the UAE national team, announced the academy launch through his social media channels, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of Emirati footballers. The partnership with ProSport Academy suggests a professional approach that combines local expertise with established training methodologies.
The academy's first location will be revealed soon, with Al Ghassani stating: "Together, we are here to change the landscape of academies in the UAE and build something that the next generation can be proud of."
Growing Investment in UAE Sports Infrastructure
Regional Competition for Youth Talent
The launch comes as Gulf states increasingly compete to develop homegrown football talent. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has allocated billions to sports development, while Qatar's World Cup legacy includes substantial youth academy investments. The UAE's approach through private-public partnerships and athlete-led initiatives represents a different but potentially effective model.
Economic Impact and Market Opportunity
Youth sports academies in the Gulf region have become lucrative ventures, with parents willing to invest significantly in their children's athletic development. The UAE's expatriate-heavy population creates a diverse talent pool, while government initiatives like the UAE Vision 2071 prioritize sports excellence as part of national development goals.
Professional Athletes as Academy Founders
Al Ghassani's move follows a global trend of active professional players establishing academies while still competing. Unlike retired players who often launch academies as post-career ventures, current players bring immediate credibility and ongoing visibility to their programs. This model has proven successful in markets like Brazil and Spain, where active stars regularly mentor young talents.
Implications for UAE Football Development
The academy represents more than just another training facility—it signals a maturing football ecosystem in the UAE. With the country hosting major tournaments and investing heavily in sports infrastructure, player-led academies could bridge the gap between grassroots development and professional pathways.
The timing is strategic, as the UAE Football Association continues reforms to improve national team performance and increase local player participation in professional leagues. Private academies led by national team players could accelerate talent identification and development processes that traditional club systems sometimes overlook.
For investors and sports industry stakeholders, Al Ghassani's academy launch indicates growing confidence in the UAE's sports market potential and suggests opportunities for similar ventures across the region's expanding sports economy.
