Bengaluru FC, a leading Indian Super League (ISL) team, have announced a strategic partnership with H16 Sports Academy, a renowned UAE-based sports training and tourism company, aimed at revolutionising football development in both countries.
The collaboration will facilitate the exchange of talented young footballers between India and the UAE, exposing them to diverse coaching methodologies and playing styles. Additionally, BFC and H16 Sports Academy will jointly develop coaching programs, sharing expertise and best practices to elevate the standards of football coaching in both regions.
Commenting on the occasion, Darren Caldeira, Bengaluru FC’s Director of Football, said, “We’re incredibly excited by the prospect of expanding our horizons at BFC Soccer Schools through our first-ever international partnership. This collaboration with H16 Sports Academy is a milestone in many ways, and the goal is to lend our knowledge in football coaching and youth development to see how wide our talent pool can become, I am sure that a lot of young footballers in UAE will benefit from the technical expertise of our coaches and their curriculum. Long term, the vision is to give these children a fair chance of making it as professional footballers with the right guidance. On behalf of the club, I want to welcome H16 Sports Academy to our family.”
Mr. Hassan Ali Ibrahim Al Balooshi, Chairman of H16 Sports Academy, added, “We are excited to announce this partnership with Bengaluru FC Soccer Schools, a collaboration that strengthens our mission to revolutionise football development in the UAE. This partnership not only focuses on technical excellence but also brings on board an Indo-Arab cultural exchange, aligning the best of both footballing worlds.
“BFC is the first and only football club in India to have its Youth Academy conferred the two–star status by The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme. BFC Soccer Schools, present in eight cities in India with over 35 centres spread across the country, currently has more than 5000 children as part of its various partner programmes and centres and employs over 35 licensed youth coaches. Together, we aim to nurture young talent, offering them pathways to compete at the highest levels of the game. Football is a powerful connector, and through this initiative, we look forward to empowering the next generation of footballers on the global stage.”
The partnership will include joint training camps, tournaments, and infrastructure sharing to provide young players with a comprehensive football experience. BFC Soccer Schools, renowned for its holistic approach to player development, will bring its expertise in youth coaching and training to the partnership.
The strategic alliance between BFC and H16 Sports Academy marks a significant step towards strengthening football development in India and the UAE. By combining their strengths and resources, the two organisations aim to create a more vibrant and competitive football ecosystem that benefits players, coaches, and fans alike.
H16 Sports Academy, founded by former UAE National team player Mr. Hassan Ali Ibrahim Al Balooshi, is dedicated to nurturing young football talent. The academy aims to provide world-class training and opportunities to aspiring footballers, helping them reach their full potential. By focusing on talent identification, specialised training, and competitive exposure, H16 Academy aims to create a culture of excellence and empower the next generation of football stars.
Bengaluru FC have been actively working to strengthen their football development initiatives. In addition to the partnership with H16 Sports Academy, the club has recently announced an association with F13 Football Academy, a renowned talent development institution based in Kerala. This partnership further demonstrates Bengaluru FC’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent across India.
On the pitch, Bengaluru FC have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2024-25 ISL season. The team sits atop the league table with an unbeaten record, showcasing its dominance and determination. As they look ahead, Bengaluru FC will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the playoffs. Their upcoming match against undefeated Punjab FC on October 18 promises to be a crucial encounter as the two top teams battle for league supremacy.
