Advanced Sports Academy (ASA) is a leading football school in Lebanon, founded 15 years ago. At a recent international competition held in Qatar, the academy’s footballers delivered brilliant results. In his interview with Ici Beyrouth, ASA co-founder and general manager, Raed Saddik, gives us an overview of his academy.
Which year was Advanced Sports Academy founded?
The academy was founded in 2007, with 24 pupils, by Rami Ghaziri and me. Then, Rami travelled to the United States in 2012 and I continued on my own.
What age categories have teams of their own?
We have teams from U5 to U17. Three of these, U14, U15, and U16 compete in the Lebanese championship. We ranked second after Nejmeh at the Lebanese juniors championship last year. Our young teams have been competing for years.
What is your annual budget?
We will not disclose details pertaining to our annual budget, but we have two sources of revenue: our pupils’ subscription fees, and the donations of individuals to support our talents.
Do you have partnerships with Lebanese clubs like Nejmeh and Ansar?
No, but we are on good terms with all clubs. Many of our players are recruited by the best Lebanese clubs. For example, Hassan Mehanna, the current best Lebanese striker who plays with Nejmeh, was our pupil at the academy. One of Ahed’s players was also part of ASA. Our players now compete in almost all the best clubs of the country, whether with the senior team, or the junior team.
Do you have partnerships with European and international clubs?
I have had many partnership opportunities with big international clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, but I am against “franchising” big clubs in Lebanon. First, because the budget is too significant for local academies. Second, because franchise contracts have rules and regulations that would slow the development of my academy’s strategy.
How many pupils does the academy have?
In the high season, we have around 1000, and around 500 in the low season.
Do your coaches have a high, international level of expertise?
All our coaches hold diplomas from the Lebanese Football Federation, level D to level A. We even had foreign coaches at some stage. I organize regular professional development sessions for our trainers with international ones. Coaches are educators, first and foremost, especially when it comes to U13 and the lower categories.
Which are your main competitors?
The competition is mimicking ASA’s practices, which is proof that our academy is doing a good job. An academy at the center of Beirut is different than a peripheral academy. ASA was able to alter the perception of football among parents who wish to teach their children the sport. Before ASA existed, educated families sent their children to basketball school, as football was considered “a thug’s sport”. I am proud to have been able to change this perception. It took us years of hard work to alter this mindset.
Lastly, why should young footballers choose ASA over another academy?
For three reasons. First, for geographical convenience and the ease of access to our pitch. Second, our reputation and the quality of our coaches. Third, our formation results, given that many excellent professional footballers have started here.
