Mahd Sports Academy

Sports academy in Saudi Arabia

24°38′55″N 46°38′57″E / 24.648537°N 46.649246°E / 24.648537; 46.649246Opened27 July 2020; 3 years ago (2020-07-27)Websitemahdacademy.sa/en

Mahd Sports Academy (Arabic: أكاديمية مهد الرياضية, romanized: Akādīmiyat Māhd Ar-Riyaḍiyya) is a sports academy based in the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The academy was officially launched in July 2020 in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to develop the sports sector.^[1] Mahd aims to scout, help, and train Saudi athletes in various sports that include football, handball, athletics, taekwondo, and gymnastics.^[2]

Once complete, Mahd Sports Academy will be among the largest sports academies in the world. The academy is available to Saudi children from ages 6 to 14.^[3]^[4]

History

Mahd Sports Academy was launched in July 2020 by Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud in a press conference held in Riyadh. The ceremony was attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and manager José Mourinho.^[5]

The establishment of the academy was approved in June 2021 as per the Council of Ministers Resolution No. (654) with its mandates approved in August 2022 by Council of Ministers Resolution No. (10).^[6]^[7]

In July 2023, Mahd Academy's board of directors was announced by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The board members include José Mourinho, Ioan Lupescu, and Reema bint Bandar with Abdulaziz bin Turki as the chairman.^[8]

Following Cristiano Ronaldo's signing with Al Nassr and his relocation to Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. joined the academy where he reportedly trains with an age group two years above him.^[9]

References

^ Hilton, Tommy (28 July 2020). "Saudi Arabia announces new Mahd Sports Academy with Jose Mourinho, FIFA chief". Al Arabiya English. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "About Mahd Sports Academy". mahdacademy.sa. Mahd Sports Academy. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "Saudi Arabia unveils ambitious Mahd Sports Academy". The National News. 28 July 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "Saudi Arabia launches huge global sports project: Mahd Sports Academy". Arab News. 23 July 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "Saudi Arabia unveils grand sporting project to nurture local talent". Saudi Gazette. 27 July 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session". spa.gov.sa. Saudi Press Agency. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Session". spa.gov.sa. Saudi Press Agency. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ "Saudi crown prince approves board of directors for Mahd Sports Academy". Arab News. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
^ Marsh, Dan (22 January 2023). "Cristiano Ronaldo Jr training two years above his age at elite sporting talent academy". Mirror. Retrieved 21 April 2024.