Aspire Academy Opens New Football Season With Residential Training Camps

Aspire Academy has opened its new football season with a series of residential training camps for its youth age groups as it prepares for domestic and international competitions.

The opening programme included players born in 2011 and 2012, followed by the 2010 age group, before the 2013 and 2014 squads completed the programme.

Ahead of the new season, Spanish coach Mikel Antia has returned to Aspire Academy as Technical and Methodology Manager. This marks his second spell at the Academy after previously serving on its staff from 2012 to 2016.

Antia brings experience from his professional playing and coaching career, which included working alongside Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United and, most recently, at Leeds United.

He said Qatar's hosting of the next four editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup could provide an important boost to football development in the country, stressing the need for institutions, coaches and players to understand the standards required to compete against the world's best.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 will take place from November 19 to December 13. Matches will be staged at the Aspire Zone complex, with several Aspire Academy student-athletes and graduates expected to feature in Qatar's squad.

Qatar is hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup annually from 2025 through 2029 as part of FIFA's expanded 48-team annual format.

--

About Qatar Living:

Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial