First Ajax private youth football academy outside Netherlands planned

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ajax Academy Dubai and Innoventures Education have announced the signing of an exclusive partnership on Jan.26, 2022, to build the first Ajax private youth football academy outside of the Netherlands.

The Ajax Amsterdam philosophy is to develop and nurture the next generation of football talent and professionals for the future. Innoventures Education mission is to empower students with a holistic, rigorous and international education for success in an ever-changing world. Its schools believe sport is a key part of holistic education, and this partnership will give children an unique opportunity.

“Our vision has always been to provide a world-class education to all of our students. By partnering with Ajax, the top youth academy in the world, our students can avail of a globally recognized academy to develop in this area”, Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education said.

The Ajax Academy Dubai and their three Dutch coaches from Amsterdam, will begin training through the second term at three Innoventures locations: Dubai International Academy – Al Barsha, Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills, Raffles World Academy. The Academy has plans to invest with the school, to further develop the facilities, so that Innoventures Education schools become a hub for youth football and sport development.

“Ajax Amsterdam’s world-famous academies are known for building legends, not buying them,” George Kazianis, CEO of Ajax Academy Dubai said. “Education is at the core of everything Ajax does. We see a tremendous opportunity with Innoventures Education to develop the leaders, talent, and teammates of the future.”

Ajax Academy Dubai will work closely with the schools to embed the Ajax Philosophy into the school curriculum and provide a wide range of additional opportunities to its students and community, including participation in international tours and tournaments, coaching seminars, and the creation of teams to participate in local leagues.