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This Saturday, February 10, the Alima Academy, dedicated to soccer and youth, will officially launch its activities in Congo. Founded by 2018 World Champion Blaise Matuidi, this initiative pursues the mission of training and mentoring the next generation of young Congolese and sub-regional footballers, with the support of the Congolese state and numerous partners.
"Soccer, in Africa and particularly in Congo-Brazzaville, is much more than a sport.It is a key element of cultural identity, a vector of unity and a symbol of national pride."With these words, Blaise Matuidi launches the first class of the Alima Academy with great pomp and ceremony.Already active in the world of training, notably as sponsor of the PSG Academy in Senegal, the former French international has this time rolled up his sleeves to launch his own project with this academy which he conceived and which he now sees coming to fruition.
Located in Oyo, the Alima Academy aims to identify 40 talented youngsters from a pool of around 1,000, who will be recruited from all over the country, and subsequently from the sub-region.
It also aims to mentor the next generation of young Congolese footballers, with the support of the State and numerous partners.
"Professional training and coaching
"When I look at young Congolese and African footballers, whether at the African Cup of Nations, in the top flight or playing in the streets of Brazzaville and across the Congo, I see myself in their shoes. These passionate young people, with their dreams and aspirations, are a reflection of my own journey. I understand their passion and determination to succeed. However, success depends on training and professional supervision, aspects that are often lacking in the development of these talents," confided the former midfielder.
The Alima Academy, in partnership with the Congolese state, intends to overcome these challenges by offering an environment conducive to training, academic development and player blossoming, thus contributing to the growth of Congolese soccer on a national and international scale.
Through free coaching sessions and a rigorous selection process, this initiative specifically targets young people born between 2010 and 2012, aged 12 to 14.
The Alima Academy will organize detections and recruit 40 boarders.
In addition to sports training, the Alima Academy will provide academic and psychological support to the selected talents, thus fostering their overall development. With this in mind, a partnership has been established with schools of excellence, enabling student-athletes to flourish both on the pitch and in their academic careers.
Hugues Ngouélondélé, Conog's Minister of Youth and Sports, hailed the initiative."We are delighted with this project, which offers a concrete opportunity for young Congolese talent to achieve academic excellence, develop their potential and open up promising prospects in the world of soccer and beyond," he declared.
Turning future players into responsible citizens
With this project, Blaise Matuidi aims to make a long-term impact on Congolese and African soil, but also to go beyond the pitch in order to "develop exceptional players, but also responsible Congolese citizens, ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow". To contribute to the development of Congolese soccer, the academy will focus on five key themes: accessibility and talent identification, coach training, methodology and coaching network, innovation and technology, and support. Now it's time to take to the field, with the first detection operation due to take place in February, open to all young Congolese soccer enthusiasts, regardless of gender.
