New AC Milan International Academy Opens In Dubai

A new AC Milan International Academy was inaugurated in Dubai on Monday in collaboration with Ball Beast Academy, a local startup that promotes sports activities and empowerment for young footballers.

The new center dedicated to youth well-being and talent development was unveiled during an event hosted by the Dubai Sports Council which plays a crucial role in the development of the sports sector in the Emirate with the help of programs and activities to create awareness, nurture talent, and support creativity, WAM reported.

The announcement about the new long-term project in the region was made by an AC Milan delegation led by CEO Giorgio Furlani alongside Chief Commercial Officer Maikel Oettle, Regional Director Greta Nardeschi, and AC Milan Legend Serginho. The delegation was accompanied by Hassan Alameddine, General Manager of Ball Beast Academy LCC.

The establishment of this new academy in Dubai marks an important milestone in the Club's global expansion strategy, supported by RedBird Capital Partners. The academy also reflects AC Milan's focus and commitment to the Middle Eastern region.

Speaking at the event, Oettle said, "The inauguration of a new Academy in Dubai is further testimony to our Club's ambition and desire to strengthen our ties with the Middle East, a strategic region rich in passion for our colors and with millions of supporters."

"We aim to share the Milan Model and invest in the development of young talent, both on and off the field, with the goal of making a tangible impact on the local communities in which we operate, and developing our international presence," he added.

The AC Milan International Academy in Dubai is one of over 100 Rossoneri Academies across the world. In the 2023-24 season, these academies, led by about 2,500 AC Milan coaches and educators, provided programs for more than 20,000 boys and girls on three continents.

AC Milan's objective is to use its knowledge and skills to help create a strong sports culture that is based on the Milan Method. AC Milan is the most popular Italian club in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) area and is in the top 10 globally.

The UAE itself consists of around 2.5 million fans. AC Milan is already present in the region, as it inaugurated an academy in Kuwait 15 years ago, hosting over 5,000 boys and girls.