Under the title, “Mohammed VI Academy: Key to Morocco’s Success”, the world soccer governing body says that “HM King Mohammed VI has launched several development projects in different areas, including the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which aims to discover talents in different regions of Morocco, develop them, and facilitate their transfer to European clubs.”
The Moroccan national team achieved a historic feat by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, after beating Portugal (1-0) in the quarter-finals, thanks to the goal of Youssef En-Nesyri, winner of the academy.
The Academy was opened in 2009 and a budget of 15 million dollars was allocated for its construction. It was established in Sala Al Jadida, on an area of about 18 hectares, including several sports facilities, health, teaching and soccer fields, adds the same source, stating that the Academy combines sport and studies, the same model adopted by youth training schools in Europe.
In this sense, FIFA notes that the trio of Azzedine Ounahi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Nayef Aguerd, from the academy, are now the most prominent stars of the Moroccan national team.
“I am happy to see the fruits of this project founded by HM King Mohammed VI. The Academy now supports all national teams,” added the site, quoting Nasser Larguet, former director of the Academy Mohammed VI, noting that this achievement is “a pride for us.”
