stories from the pitch
MADE IN ALPHA: ALI SHAH MOHAMMAD
06 MAR 25
Ali Shah Mohammad is one of the most dedicated members of Alpha Football Academy and stands out as one of the academy's strongest defenders. Having joined the academy in 2017, Ali has spent six impactful years with us, consistently demonstrating his passion for pursuing a professional career in football.
His commitment has been evident through his active participation in all major academy events. He was part of our inaugural international trip to Verona, Italy, and participated in the High-Performance Camp with Bengaluru FC. Ali also showcased his skills during trials in Poland and numerous other academy events in Oman.
In the summer of 2024, Ali made a significant move by relocating to Valencia, Spain, as part of our program in collaboration with Spain Rush-SPF. He is playing for Deportivo La Rambleta C.F. in the Tercera FFCV, a strategic move contributing greatly to his development within the Spanish football scene. This paid program is designed to help talented players like Ali work towards securing a professional contract in the future.
Ali's journey is a remarkable testament to his unwavering loyalty, hard work, and commitment to achieving his dreams. We are excited to follow his progress and witness how he navigates the competitive landscape of Spanish football!
MADE IN ALPHA: ARYA BUDUR
05 MAR 25
After graduating high school in 2024, Arya made a bold decision to relocate to Valencia, Spain, enrolling in our program in collaboration with Spain Rush-SPF following successful trials in Spain and Poland.
Prior to this pivotal move, Arya dedicated three transformative years to Alpha Football Academy, where he refined his skills and nurtured his passion for the beautiful game.
This paid program in Valencia presents him with a unique opportunity to train and compete with various clubs, allowing him further to develop his abilities within the competitive Spanish football landscape.
Since arriving in Valencia, Arya has excelled, demonstrating impressive physical prowess, exceptional speed, and remarkable dribbling skills. He is making a name for himself by playing and scoring goals for C.F. Inter San José Valencia in the Second Regional Juvenil.
With his talent and unwavering dedication, Arya's future in football looks exceptionally bright. We eagerly anticipate the next exciting chapter in his journey!
MADE IN ALPHA: KARTIK SUJAN
26 FEB 25
After a dedicated five-year tenure at Alpha Football Academy, Kartik Sujan made a significant move to Germany in 2023 to pursue his university studies. Renowned for his exceptional leadership and communication skills, Kartik built a reputation as one of the strongest defenders in the academy's history. His commitment to the game was unparalleled, consistently attending five training sessions a week without breaks.
Kartik's passion and hard work have paid off, earning him a spot on SG Taucha 99, where he competes in the Kreisoberliga in Saxony, Germany. Having previously played for the Under 19 team of SG Taucha 99, he continues to rise through the ranks, demonstrating his talent and dedication on the field.
But Kartik's journey doesn't stop here. He remains focused on balancing his academic responsibilities with his football ambitions. With unwavering determination and a solid foundation, Kartik is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the pitch.
MADE IN ALPHA: CLIVE AUSTIN
25 FEB 25
Clive Austin dedicated five impactful years to Alpha Football Academy before pursuing further studies in India in 2021 after high school. Renowned for his leadership, bravery, and steadfast work ethic, Clive consistently stood out among his peers, earning recognition as one of the academy's top goalkeepers. While many players choose to step away from football to focus on their university studies, Clive remained resolute in his passion, securing a spot on the Under-21 team of FC Bengaluru United in India's Regional A Division.
After gaining invaluable experience in India, Clive returned to us and decided to enrol in our intensive program in Barcelona, Spain, during the summer of 2024. Here, he continues to refine his skills while participating in paid training programs with various clubs, steadily working toward his ultimate goal of signing a professional contract.
Currently, Clive is competing for U.D. Les Fonts in Quarta Catalana, the 10th and final tier of the Spanish football league system and the fifth highest within Catalonia's autonomous community.
Clive's journey is a remarkable testament to perseverance and dedication, and we are excited to support his ongoing development in the world of football.
TFTA WINNER: NISHANT
18 OCT 24 - 30 OCT 24
Nishant Hedge, the second winner of The Football Trials by Alpha, was selected by Perfect Football Academy for an incredible program in Barcelona, Spain. He spent two transformative weeks in this vibrant city, honing his skills with U.D. Les Fonts and Terrassa Futbol Club.
During his time in Barcelona, Nishant had a fantastic opportunity to measure his skills against talented Spanish players. His technical ability and skill were highly appreciated by the coaches, affirming his potential for a bright future in football. After a successful spell in Spain, Nishant returned to Alpha Football Academy to continue his football development.
Looking ahead, Nishant has chosen to enrol in our intensive program in Barcelona, which he will join after graduating from high school next year. Exciting times lie ahead as he pursues his passion for football!
TFTA WINNER: FARHAN & RAFAEL
23 JUN 24 - 06 JUL 24
This summer, Farhan Biju, the winner of The Football Trials by Alpha, and Rafael Alassam, who secured third place, were selected for the exciting Spain Rush-SPF program in Valencia, Spain. They travelled alongside fellow Alpha Football Academy summer camp participants for an exhilarating week filled with football and training.
After an exciting week with the Alpha team, Farhan and Rafael moved to the Spain Rush-SPF facility at the Students' Resort Mas Camarena. Here, they engaged in friendly matches and participated in an event that showcased their talents in front of 100 coaches from Valencia. The experience was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating, providing them with invaluable exposure. As a highlight of their trip, they also visited the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid CF. For these young football enthusiasts, it was a dream come true.
SUMMER IN VALENCIA, SPAIN
23 JUN 24 - 28 JUN 24
This year, our partnership with Spain Rush-SPF for the summer camp was exceptional, perfectly aligning with the Spanish football philosophy embraced by Alpha Football Academy. A special thanks to Rubén Manuel Estellés and Carlos De Lera for organizing the trip so well!
Our journey began with 14 dedicated players travelling to Madrid, followed by a four-hour bus ride to Valencia. Despite the hectic travel schedule, the Alpha boys showcased an incredible mentality: arriving at Hotel Ronda at 4 AM yet still managing to attend morning training at 9 AM—a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Alpha mentality.
The training sessions led by Spain Rush-SPF coaches David Sanz and Vicente Linares Andrés were high-energy and engaging. The players, already accustomed to rigorous training at the academy in Oman, thrived in this environment. Practising at the world-class Spain Rush-SPF facility, Students' Resort Mas Camarena, was a unique opportunity. This facility features top-notch football pitches, basketball, tennis and padel courts, a swimming pool, and a restaurant dedicated to preparing nutritious meals for athletes. It's where players stay long-term with Spain Rush-SPF, enhancing their training and development.
A highlight of the camp was two friendly matches—one against Spain Rush-SPF and another against U.D. Mancomunidad La Hoya. The team fared well despite the absence of some starting players who didn't travel for the camp, demonstrating the depth and skill of our squad.
THE FOOTBALL TRIALS BY ALPHA
02 MAY 24 - 03 MAY 24
The Football Trials by Alpha represents the flagship event of the Alpha Football Academy, aimed at connecting talented players with scouts, managers, and clubs through organized trials in Oman. This inaugural edition of the trials was marked by the presence of esteemed Spanish scouts, including Rubén Manuel Estellés from Spain Rush-SPF in Valencia, Daniel Leoncio Gil from Perfect Football Academy in Barcelona, and Mario Arques Blasco, a former professional footballer from Alicante, who played for Valencia B and Kerala Blasters FC. Their enthusiasm set the tone for an exciting two-day event.
The anticipation surrounding the trials drew 45 aspiring footballers across two age categories: Under 14 and 18. Players showcased their skills and determination, making the event an undeniable success. The scouts and coaches were thoroughly impressed with the technical abilities displayed by the Alpha players. As a result, three standout players were selected to embark on further trials in Spain with their respective clubs.
Farhan Biju emerged as the top performer, securing an all-expense-paid trip to Valencia courtesy of Rubén Estellés from Spain Rush-SPF. Following closely behind, Daniel Leoncio chose Nishant Hegde for an all-expense-paid journey to Barcelona with Perfect Football Academy. Lastly, Rafael Alassam caught Mario Arques's attention, earning a trip to Spain Rush-SPF with 70% of his expenses covered. Each player will engage in an intensive two-week trial in Spain during the summer to further develop their skills and showcase their talent on an international stage.
TRIAL IN POLAND
29 JUL 23 - 13 AUG 23
Alpha Football Academy is dedicated to providing players with a comprehensive pathway to development, from grassroots training to achieving professional contracts. In our pursuit of excellence, we collaborated with SportsMate360 in Poland, an esteemed international academy and agency specializing in managing and organizing trials for non-European players with Polish clubs.
Poland presents unique opportunities for aspiring athletes, as the number of non-European players is notably lower, making it easier to secure professional contracts across five paid leagues. This stands in contrast to countries like Spain, Germany, and Italy, where regulations for non-European players are more stringent.
Recently, three of our players, Ali Shah Mohammad, Kartik Sujan, and Arya Budur, participated in trials organized by SportsMate360. They engaged in matches and tryouts with Polish clubs while staying at a remarkable residential facility, the Powiatowy Ośrodek Sportu, Hotel Miętne. Located just an hour from Warsaw in Garwolin, the academy has many sports amenities, including three grass fields, one artificial pitch, a gym, a spa and sauna, a swimming pool, and indoor and outdoor courts. It truly is a paradise for sports enthusiasts.
TRIAL IN SPAIN: ARYA BUDUR
26 MAR 23 - 08 APR 23
This summer, our talented player, Arya Budur, embarked on an exciting journey as he attended trials in Spain. With a passion for the game and a determination to secure a place on a professional team, Arya participated in trials with UB Conquense in Cuenca, organized in collaboration with Siello Football Group and DS Football Academy.
Over 14 days, Arya trained diligently and showcased his skills. As part of the experience, he moved to Madrid for the final segment of the camp, where he participated in a competitive tournament. This added layer of experience proved invaluable, allowing him to test his abilities against different teams.
OUR TIME IN VENICE, ITALY
24 JUN 22 - 30 JUN 22
After a challenging hiatus due to COVID-19, Alpha Football Academy is thrilled to announce that we have resumed our international camps. This year, we embarked on an exciting journey to the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, where 18 of our players were overwhelmed by the beauty and magic of this unique destination.
We teamed up with Venezia FC, simply known as Venezia, a distinctive club that draws inspiration from the picturesque city of Venice. By merging elements of the city with fashion, Venezia stands out among other clubs, with its vibrant orange, black, and green colours earning it the nickname Arancioneroverdi. The club is surrounded by the stunning Venetian lagoons, which provide a picturesque setting for our activities.
Our base was at Ca' Del Moro on Lido di Venezia, one of the few islands in Venice with actual roads. The facility was lovely, equipped with a café, tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, a gym, and a spa. The Alpha team trained against the stunning backdrop of breathtaking lagoons—a sight reminiscent of a postcard, truly unforgettable in its beauty. Venezia's coaches, Jacopo Zennaro and Federico Damin, organized excellent training sessions for our players despite the variable weather that ranged from cool drizzles to warm, sunny spells.
ATLÉTICO DE MADRID CAMP
20 MAY 22 - 24 MAY 22
The Atlético de Madrid High-Performance Camp, organized by Alpha Football Academy in Oman, marked a significant milestone in our journey. Hosting one of the world's premier football clubs, which competes for top positions in La Liga and UEFA Champions League, was not just an opportunity but a remarkable achievement for our academy.
One of the highlights of the camp was the involvement of Coach Ernesto Picón Abreo, a passionate ambassador of Atlético de Madrid's football philosophy and methodology—his eagerness to impart knowledge and share insights left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Throughout the event, he reviewed our academy's progress over the years, affirming that we are on the right path and expressing admiration for how well Alpha operates—a validation we all received with immense joy.
Over five exhilarating days, 30 players from two age categories—Under 12 and 16—participated in meticulously designed training sessions. Each session featured five distinct exercises followed by a 25-minute match within a 90-minute timeframe, striking a perfect balance between fun, technical development, and tactical understanding. It was inspiring to see Coach Ernesto enthusiastically deliver these sessions, encouraging players to absorb new skills and knowledge.
ALPHA IN SALOU, SPAIN
24 NOV 19 - 28 NOV 19
Recently, our founder, Meeran Yoosuf and co-founder, Muhammad Yoosuf, were invited to visit the impressive Cambrils Park Resort and Futbol Salou in sunny Salou, Spain. As Alpha Football Academy is always looking for ideal destinations for team camps, this invitation presented a perfect opportunity.
Cambrils Park Resort is a stunning facility featuring vibrant themes, including Mediterranean villas, Caribbean-inspired bungalows, and Polynesian-themed accommodations. The resort boasts an array of amenities, including a café, gym, spa, sauna, and courts for tennis and basketball, ensuring there's never a dull moment. It truly is an idyllic location for a camp.
Adjacent to the resort is Futbol Salou, which hosts some significant events, such as the Surf Cup International and the Mare Nostrum Cup. The complex features five natural grass fields, seven artificial grass pitches, a rugby pitch, beach soccer fields, and a mini stadium with a capacity of 1,000 spectators. It also provides a cafeteria and locker rooms, making it a convenient hub for players and coaches.
VENEZIA FC IN OMAN
01 NOV 19 - 05 NOV 19
The year 2019 marked a remarkable chapter for Alpha Football Academy as we dedicated ourselves to unlocking valuable opportunities for our players. This time, we partnered with Venezia FC—affectionately known as Venezia—to host a High-Performance Camp in Oman, which was an unforgettable experience.
We were thrilled to welcome three extraordinary coaches from Venezia: Evans Soligo, Mattia Collauto, and Simone Spina, the Venezia International Projects Manager. Our first conversation showed that both teams shared an unwavering passion for sports and youth development. The Venezia coaches engaged in insightful discussions on how we could collaboratively advance the game in Oman.
Throughout the five-day camp, the Venezia coaches provided invaluable training for our Alpha coaches, who assisted in implementing the training program. They introduced innovative concepts and techniques, such as the structure of the rhombus pursuit, proper body posture, and effective transitions.
BENGALURU FC SUMMER CAMP
07 JUL 19 - 14 JUL 19
This summer, Alpha Football Academy had the opportunity to participate in the Bengaluru FC High-Performance Camp held at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), which aims to nurture champions in India with an eye on future Olympic success. Located in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, IIS boasts world-class facilities, including a combat hall, athlete accommodation, club house, cafeteria, learning centre, gym, sports science lab, and a recovery room featuring ice baths and saunas—everything an athlete needs to excel.
The camp was expertly led by coaches Yesu Rajan, Kaizad Ambapardiwala, and team manager Edwin Rahul. From day one, the coaches provided a thorough briefing on what to expect, including the institute's rules and norms, ensuring players stayed focused. Each of the 14 participants received their Bengaluru FC kits, enhancing the experience further. The players' smartphones were collected to foster a more engaged environment, allowing for meaningful social interactions and bonding.
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GULF OPEN CUP DUBAI
04 APR 19 - 07 APR 19
The Alpha Football Academy Under-12 team embarked on an exciting journey to Dubai, UAE, to compete in the Gulf Open Cup 2019, hosted at the impressive Dubai Sports City and organized by ISG Events. This marked the academy's inaugural international tournament, and the experience was extraordinary.
Upon arrival at S Hotel in Al Barsha, the atmosphere was charged with energy and anticipation. The 13 players enjoyed pool time, participated in team-building activities, and relished a team lunch, allowing them to bond and settle into this new environment.
As the tournament commenced, the team was ready to showcase their skills. However, they faced a notable challenge, as they had to compete in an older age group due to a limited number of teams in the Under-12 category. Despite this hurdle, the Alpha team demonstrated resilience and tenacity, quickly becoming fan favourites. Their spirited performances garnered support from spectators and respect from their opponents.
TRIAL IN VERONA, ITALY
15 DEC 18 - 22 DEC 18
Following the visit by Hellas Verona FC, famously known as Hellas Verona, to Alpha Football Academy in Oman, we were honoured to have four of our Under-16 players—Faiz Ibrahim, Ali Shah Mohammad, Junaid Faizal, and Aaron Dsouza—invited for trials at Hellas Verona in Verona, Italy.
The coaches and staff at Hellas Verona embraced the rich philosophy and methodology of the 100-year-old club. We seized every opportunity to learn from their expertise, making this trip an enlightening experience that raised our aspirations regarding the quality of football in Europe.
Despite the challenging -2 degrees Celsius weather and a language barrier, the Alpha boys remained focused and determined to make the most of this opportunity. The technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and speed exhibited by the Hellas Verona players were exceptional, motivating our players to work harder. Although our players were not selected for the youth teams, they were given the option to remain in Italy for a year, allowing them to continue honing their football skills and working their way up.
HELLAS VERONA FC VISITS ALPHA
24 NOV 18
During their trip for the Oman International Youth Cup 2018, Hellas Verona FC visited Alpha Football Academy to conduct a special one-day coaching session. With 70 players participating, this event provided an exciting opportunity to experience Italian coaching methodologies firsthand.
The session showcased Hellas Verona's coaching philosophy and expertise, offering invaluable insights for our players as they prepare for their upcoming trials in Verona, Italy. The high level of instruction and the professional approach from the Hellas Verona coaching staff left a lasting impression on everyone involved, inspiring our players to elevate their game.
This unique experience highlighted the potential pathways for our athletes and strengthened our commitment to developing their skills and knowledge of the sport. We are grateful to Hellas Verona for their visit and for enriching our players' journey in football!
