In a move reflecting the rapid development of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the Al-Qadisiyah Club Academy branch in the governorate on Tuesday evening. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Nabil Al-Jamea, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services at Saudi Aramco, and Badr Al-Ruziza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qadisiyah Club, along with a number of officials and athletes.

Al-Ahsa: A Historical Talent Hub.
The choice of Al-Ahsa Governorate to launch this branch stems from its historical status as one of the Kingdom's most prominent "talent hubs" for football. For decades, Al-Ahsa has supplied national teams and major clubs with a constellation of stars who have etched their names in gold in the history of Saudi football. This move by Al-Qadisiyah Club is a shrewd investment in the fertile ground the governorate offers, with its passionate fan base and innate talent that simply needs refinement and professional development.

Vision 2030 and Sports Investment:
During the inauguration, His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa emphasized that the opening of the academy represents a qualitative investment in human capital, specifically in young people, through a professional program aimed at honing athletic talents and building a generation capable of competing both locally and internationally. His Highness pointed out that this initiative aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on quality of life, promoting sports participation, and transforming the sports sector into a professional industry that contributes to the national economy.

A strategic partnership and a qualitative leap:
The presence of Saudi Aramco leaders at this event reflects the transformative shift Al-Qadisiyah Club is experiencing following its acquisition by the giant company as part of the investment and privatization project for sports clubs. This institutional support ensures the academy operates according to the highest standards of technical and administrative governance, and provides state-of-the-art infrastructure comparable to international academies, thus enhancing opportunities for discovering and nurturing young talents using well-researched scientific methodologies.

of figures and future aspirations
, Bader Al-Ruziza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qadisiyah Club Company, expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa for his generous patronage, explaining that the academy represents the "beating heart" of the club's sports project. Al-Ruziza revealed ambitious figures, stating that the academy currently includes more than 1,500 players distributed across six branches in the Eastern Province, with an expansion plan aiming to serve more than 2,500 players. This strategy aims to build a sustainable technical system that ensures a continuous flow of talent to the first team and the Saudi national teams in the long term.

His Highness the Governor concluded his speech by acknowledging the generous support that the sports sector receives from the wise leadership - may God support them - stressing that this support is the main driver for developing the infrastructure and enabling clubs to perform their social and sports role to the fullest extent.

In an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and high sportsmanship, the Shoot Academy Football Tournament kicked off at Al-Qadisiyah Intermediate School in Al-Aflaj Governorate. This distinguished sporting event is organized by the Shoot Academy, affiliated with the Al-Aflaj Development Association, as part of its efforts to activate constructive community partnerships between the academy and educational institutions in the governorate. The event was attended by the academy's general supervisor, Mr. Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Shannar.

The tournament's launch witnessed broad and active participation from the school's students, fostering a spirit of fair competition aimed primarily at honing their athletic skills and reinforcing positive educational values ​​such as discipline, teamwork, and respect for opponents. These activities seek to utilize students' time in ways that benefit them both physically and mentally, channeling their energy into healthy and constructive paths.

The importance of school sports and talent discovery

This tournament holds special significance as it extends beyond mere entertainment, serving as a vital platform for discovering emerging sporting talent in Al-Aflaj Governorate. School sports are the cornerstone of building a promising generation of athletes, and tournaments like this highlight exceptional potential that can be nurtured and developed to support local clubs and national teams in the future. Furthermore, playing football in a structured educational environment promotes overall health and combats inactivity, aligning with the general trend of encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to increase physical activity in society and improve the lifestyle of individuals and families. The collaboration between the non-profit sector, represented by the Al-Aflaj Development Association and the Shot Academy, and the education sector exemplifies institutional integration aimed at building a vibrant society. These partnerships underscore that school is not merely a place for academic achievement, but a comprehensive incubator for developing the student's well-rounded personality.

Thanks and appreciation for the efforts made

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, the tournament organizers explained that the event was an extension of the academy's ongoing programs to support athletic talent in the province. They expressed their appreciation for the significant efforts of Mr. Dhafer bin Madous Al-Arjani, principal of Al-Qadisiyah Intermediate School, and the pivotal role of Mr. Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Ajaleen, the physical education teacher, in providing the necessary facilities, playing fields, and equipment for the tournament's success. All participants emphasized the importance of continuing such impactful initiatives, which strengthen the collaboration between the non-profit and educational sectors in Al-Aflaj to serve the province's youth.

Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens tomorrow evening, Thursday, as Al-Qadisiyah hosts Neom at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam in a highly anticipated match in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. This game holds particular significance for both sides, with the home team looking to get back on track and the visitors aiming to prove their mettle against the top teams.

Al-Qadisiyah's ambitions and the battle for the Golden Square

Al-Qadisiyah enters the match with one goal in mind: securing the three points needed to return to winning ways after their disappointing draw against Al-Fateh in the previous round, a result that cost them two valuable points in the title race. The team currently sits fourth in the standings with 44 points, accumulated from 13 wins and 5 draws, having suffered only two defeats. The coaching staff and players understand that remaining in contention for the title, or at least securing an Asian Champions League spot, requires avoiding any dropped points, especially in home matches played in front of their fans.

NEOM... Coming strong and challenging the giants

In contrast, NEOM enters the match with high morale and great ambitions, especially after securing a hard-fought and valuable victory against Al-Riyadh in the previous round. NEOM currently sits in eighth place with 28 points, having won eight matches and drawn eight. The team hopes to achieve a positive result in Dammam, whether a win or a draw, to continue their impressive run of form from the last three rounds and to demonstrate their ability to compete with the top teams, based on the noticeable improvement in their collective performance.

Star Battalion and the Battle of Tactics

The match promises a special clash between a host of top international and local stars, adding to the excitement of the competition. Al-Qadisiyah boasts a star-studded squad, spearheaded by the towering Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels, Spanish defensive leader Nacho Fernandez, and the dynamic German midfielder Julian Weigl, along with Uruguayan Nahitan Nandez. In attack, the team relies on Mexican Julian Quignoni and Italian Matteo Rettigny, supported by local talents such as Musab Al-Juwair and Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat.

On the other side, Neom's ranks are no less strong, boasting a roster of big names capable of making a difference, such as the solid Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi and the experienced captain Salman Al-Faraj. Up front, the attacking duo of Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette and Algerian Saïd Benrahma stand out, alongside Uruguayan Luciano Rodríguez and Fares Abdi. It's worth noting that the first leg in the fifth round ended with Al-Qadisiyah winning 3-1, giving Neom added motivation to seek revenge, while Al-Qadisiyah aims to confirm their superiority.