The Academy, which was created thanks to the far-sighted leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, has today become a benchmark in sports training and the detection of young talents.
The historic exploits achieved by national football in recent years confirm, if necessary, the considerable efforts made by the Kingdom in the field of sports training which the Mohammed VI Academy remarkably embodies as a key to the success of national selections. on the continental and international scenes, thanks to the emergence of a new generation of high-level players, some of whom today constitute the backbone of the national “A” football team which will compete in the African Cup of Nations Nations (CAN-2023), scheduled from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast.
Continuing the momentum of the unprecedented feat, signed during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the winners of the Mohammed VI Football Academy are still present in force within the squad of the national team with Youssef En-Nesyri, Azzedine Ounahi, Nayef Aguerd, or even the promising Abdelkabir Abqar, which testifies to the quality of the training provided by this sporting structure at all levels.
After the exceptional performance of the Atlas Lions at the Qatari World Cup and the good results recorded by the national men’s and women’s football teams, all age categories combined, CAN-2023 will once again constitute an opportunity for players Moroccans to shine and show the full extent of their talent, by writing a new glorious chapter in the history of national football.
In addition to presenting a reference model in player training and a nursery for budding young players, the Mohammed VI Academy is a Royal project which aims to promote national football and develop its level, by identifying young talents and building their skills.
Extending over an area of approximately 18 hectares, the Academy, which has mobilized investments of around 140 million dirhams, illustrates the High Concern with which HM the King continues to surround sport in general and football in particular.
This center of excellence was built and equipped according to the standards in force in world-class European training centers, with a view to ensuring that young Moroccans have the ideal conditions to benefit from high-quality training, allowing them to evolve within the biggest clubs in Morocco and Europe.
The Academy also represents the driving force behind a strategic football training policy covering, among other things, talent identification and detection projects in the different regions of the Kingdom and the capacity building of national technical executives.
Like the Mohammed VI Football Academy which reflects the enormous efforts made in terms of training, the dazzling success of national football is in no way the result of chance, but the result of long-term and good governance to promote the most popular sport at the national level and strengthen its competitiveness, in line with the enlightened Royal vision in this area.
How do grassroots clubs contribute to the training and progression of young football players in Morocco?
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Football Development Expert, Dr. Samira El Amrani
Editor: Welcome, Dr. El Amrani! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. With Morocco’s impressive performances in football, particularly at the World Cup in Qatar and the upcoming African Cup of Nations, many are curious about the driving forces behind this success. Can you tell us about the role of the Mohammed VI Academy in shaping these players?
Dr. El Amrani: Thank you for having me! The Mohammed VI Academy is indeed a pivotal institution in Moroccan football. Established under the foresight of HM King Mohammed VI, it serves as a benchmark in sports training and talent detection. The Academy not only trains young athletes but also instills in them the necessary discipline, technical skills, and mental fortitude required at higher competitive levels.
Editor: It seems that this approach has really started to pay off, especially with talents like Youssef En-Nesyri and Azzedine Ounahi becoming key players for the national team. How does the Academy identify and nurture such talents?
Dr. El Amrani: The Academy employs a rigorous selection process that starts with scouting young talents across the country. Once identified, these players undergo comprehensive training programs tailored to develop their individual skills. The focus extends beyond just physical training; there’s a strong emphasis on mental preparation and teamwork, which are crucial for competing on the international stage.
Editor: Speaking of competition, CAN-2023 is just around the corner. What are your expectations for the Moroccan national team based on current form and the foundation laid by the Academy?
Dr. El Amrani: I am optimistic! The success in Qatar showcased the potential of these players who have benefitted from the Academy’s training. The players form a cohesive unit, and their experience in high-stakes matches, like the World Cup, gives them an edge. With the promising talents like Abdelkabir Abqar stepping up, this CAN offers a golden opportunity for Morocco to not only compete but potentially win.
Editor: It sounds like the future of Moroccan football is indeed bright! But what challenges do you think lie ahead as the national team strives for more international accolades?
Dr. El Amrani: One of the main challenges is maintaining consistent performance under pressure. International tournaments can be unpredictable, and emotions run high. Additionally, as the presence of Moroccan football grows internationally, so does the scrutiny on our athletes. This is something that the Academy must prepare them for—both in skill and resilience.
Editor: That makes perfect sense. And how crucial is the support from the fans and the infrastructure investment in nurturing this new generation of talent?
Dr. El Amrani: Fan support is invaluable; it provides the morale boost that players need to perform at their best. Coupled with ongoing investments in infrastructure—from training facilities to youth programs—this creates an environment conducive to success. The more we invest in our grassroots and professional leagues, the greater the pool of talent we will develop.
Editor: You mentioned grassroots development, which is crucial for the longevity of football in any country. How do you see the involvement of local clubs alongside the Academy?
Dr. El Amrani: Local clubs play a vital role in the football ecosystem. They act as the first point of contact for young talents and often serve as feeders to the Academy. A strong partnership between the Academy and local clubs can ensure a seamless pipeline of talent, where players can gain experience in competitive environments while being monitored for potential progression to national levels.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El Amrani, for sharing your insights with us today! It’s clear that Morocco’s approach to football development has a solid foundation that could lead to significant achievements in the near future.
Dr. El Amrani: Thank you for having me! I am excited to see how the Moroccan team performs in CAN-2023 and hope they write another glorious chapter in our football history.