ABQ Education Group officially became a Southampton Football Club International Academy Partner during a launch ceremony held at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International School.
The 3-year partnership agreement reflects the value both parties place on youth development, quality coaching, participation in sports and healthy living.
The partnership agreement was signed by Humayun Kabir, ABQ Education Group’s Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Abrahams, Director of Business & Community Development at Southampton FC.
Kabir said, “At ABQ, we pride ourselves in offering students a holistic learning experience. Southampton Football Club is recognised globally as a leading authority in youth player development. They have an excellent track record of producing international players using the Southampton Way – focusing on technical skill, dynamic play and entertaining soccer. The Southampton Way includes five values: respect, unity, accountability, creativity, and aspiration, which are also aligned with ABQ’s values and objectives as a Group.”
Others in attendance at the signing ceremony included Southampton FC Football Development Manager, Andy Martino, ABQ Education Group Chairman, Al Zubair Muhammad Al Zubair, ABQ Assistant CEO, Ibrahim Al Salmi, ABQ Chief Learning Officer, Sigve Austheim, the principals of the three ABQ International Schools, Sharl Prinsloo, Jacques Tredoux and Dederick Swart.
The partnership agreement includes the integration of the Southampton FC Academy Performance Plan into all three international schools. ABQ coaches are currently being trained by the Club’s official instructors and the coaches also have access to Southampton FC’s player-centred coaching curriculum and online resource library. They will attend frequent online webinar discussions to support ongoing learning and development.
Southampton FC staff will visit the three ABQ schools annually and the students can attend exclusive International Academy Partner Player Development Camps at the Club’s facilities in England. ABQ is also looking forward to hosting its first Southampton Cup Tournament in 2023.
Abrahams said, “The Southampton FC Academy has always prided itself on developing not just young footballers but confident young people who will represent Southampton Football Club in the right manner, on and off the pitch. This holistic approach forms the basis of our success in achieving a high percentage of productivity from our Academy system going on to senior football in the Premier League. It is a huge honour to now also share these same principles and values with the students and coaches at ABQ.”
ABQ Group is excited to launch the Southampton FC Academies at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais, ABQ Sohar and ABQ Seeb International Schools on 6 November 2022.
