Congo - Alima Academy: Blaise Matuidi at the heart of local football development

"Football in Africa, and in Congo-Brazzaville in particular, is much more than a sport. It is a key part of cultural identity, a force for unity and a symbol of national pride. " With those words, Blaise Matuidi launched the first intake of the Alima Academy with great fanfare. Already involved in youth development as ambassador of the PSG Academy in Senegal, the former France international has this time rolled up his sleeves to launch his own project, an academy he conceived and now sees taking shape.

Based in Oyo, the Alima Academy aims to identify, from around a thousand youngsters, 40 talents recruited from across Congolese territory, and later from the wider sub-region. It has also set itself the mission of nurturing the next generation of young Congolese footballers, with the backing of the State and numerous partners.

"Professional training and support"

"When I look at young Congolese and African footballers, whether at the Africa Cup of Nations, in the top division or playing in the streets of Brazzaville and across Congo, I see myself in their place. These passionate young people, with their dreams and aspirations, reflect my own journey. I understand the passion that drives them, that determination to succeed. However, success depends on professional training and support, aspects that are often missing in the development of these talents," the former midfielder said.

The Alima Academy, in partnership with the Congolese State, intends to tackle these challenges by providing an environment conducive to training, academic development and the fulfilment of its players, thereby contributing to the growth of Congolese football at national and international level.

Through free coaching sessions first, then a rigorous selection process, the initiative specifically targets young people born between 2010 and 2012, aged 12 to 14.

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Beyond sporting training, the Alima Academy will provide academic and psychological support to the selected talents, promoting their all-round development. With that in mind, a partnership has been established with leading schools, allowing student-athletes to thrive both on the pitch and in their schooling.

The initiative was welcomed by Hugues Ngouélondélé, Congo's Minister of Youth and Sports. "We are delighted with this project, which offers young Congolese talents a real opportunity to achieve academic excellence, develop their potential and open up promising prospects in the world of football and beyond," he said.

Producing responsible citizens, if not future players

With this project, Blaise Matuidi intends to build a lasting presence in Congo and on African soil, while also going beyond the pitch in order to "develop exceptional players but also responsible Congolese citizens, ready to meet tomorrow's challenges." To help develop Congolese football, the academy will focus on five key themes: accessibility and talent identification, coach education, methodology and a network of coaches, innovation and technology, and support. Attention now turns to the pitch, with the first talent identification event taking place this February and open to all young Congolese with a passion for football, regardless of gender.