Aspire Academy has launched its new football season with a series of residential training camps for its various age groups. The opening week featured players from the 2011 and 2012 generations, followed by the 2010 generation, before the 2013 and 2014 squads completed the programme.
The week-long camps were designed to help players refocus on key areas, including rebuilding fitness after the summer break and returning to the rhythm of regular coaching sessions. Living on site at Aspire Academy during the camps gave the players the opportunity to socialise, strengthen team relationships, and adapt to time away from home.
The camps also enabled the coaching staff to identify focus areas as they develop their training plans for the season ahead. Ahead of the new season, Aspire Academy has also welcomed Mikel Antia as Technical and Methodology Manager. Antia returns for a second spell at the Academy, having previously worked there from 2012 to 2016.
He brings extensive experience and expertise from a professional playing career and coaching roles at several clubs, including working alongside Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United and, most recently, at English Premier League side Leeds United. The Spanish coach explained why he chose to return to Aspire Academy and Qatar for the next chapter of his career.
“I had a very positive experience during my four years here at Aspire Academy, and now they have offered me an opportunity that I could not turn down,” he said. “I know this place very well. I know the quality of work we can deliver, and I am confident that I can help the organisation continue to evolve and improve.”
Antia believes that Qatar hosting the next four editions of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup can provide a major boost to the country’s football development. “The most important thing is that everyone - from the organisation to the coaches and players - understands what it takes to compete against the best,” he said.
“The players need the right tools, and it is our responsibility to provide those tools so they are ready.” “These competitions are valuable because they help players understand the level of effort and commitment required - not only from them, but from the entire system.”
“It is excellent to have this level of competition here in Doha because it reinforces the belief that we can compete, while also reminding us that we must continue improving every year.” Antia said his message to players and fellow coaches is simple: “one more”.
“If we want players to grow and develop, we as coaches must lead by always giving ‘one more’ - asking what more we can do, change, or offer to help them improve. We cannot simply say, ‘It is done.’”
“We must keep thinking about what else we can do. If players see that commitment from us, they will add it to their own habits - one more effort, one more repetition, one more sprint, or whatever is required. It starts with us as coaches, creating a culture that supports the development of a competitive mentality.”
The student-athletes returned to full-time study and training at the Academy on 6 September, with additional local and international training camps, as well as friendly match series, planned for the coming months. The Academy’s pitches will once again host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup from 19 November to 13 December, with Qatar’s squad expected to include Aspire Academy student-athletes and graduates.
