AC Milan have announced the opening of a new ‘AC Milan International Academy’ in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Ball Beast Academy.
The club have been making a conscious effort to expand their reach in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, and now the official website have confirmed the opening of the academy in the UAE.
Milan will work with Ball Beast, a local startup that supports the development of projects promoting sports activities and empowerment for young footballers.
The presentation event for the new centre of excellence was hosted by the Dubai Sports Council, responsible for the development of the sports sector in the Emirate through programs and activities designed to create awareness, nurture talent, and support creativity.
Announcing and detailing the new long-term project in the region was an AC Milan delegation led by CEO Giorgio Furlani, along with Chief Commercial Officer Maikel Oettle, Regional Director Greta Nardeschi, and AC Milan Legend Serginho, accompanied by Hassan Alameddine, General Manager of Ball Beast Academy LCC.
Milan inaugurated an academy 15 years ago in Kuwait and it continues their bid to grow in the area, where the Rossoneri are the most supported Italian club and rank in the top 10 worldwide, with approximately 2.5 million fans in the United Arab Emirates alone.
In the same region, Milan also relies on significant partnerships with Emirates, SIRO, and, specifically, with CFI Financial Group, the Rossoneri’s Global Partner who will be among the protagonists of this new venture, appearing on the back-of-shirt of all the young footballers at the new Academy, thus accompanying them in their personal and sporting growth.
Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan: “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.”
Hassan Almeddine, General Manager of Ball Beast Academy LLC: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Milan Academy in Dubai, a pivotal step in our mission to nurture and elevate football talent in the UAE.
“Our Academy is committed to instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are essential for personal and athletic growth. By fostering a strong community and providing world-class training, we aim to discover and develop the next generation of football stars, with special programs dedicated to girls in football and people of determination.”
AC Milan International Academy in Dubai is part of a network of over 100 Rossoneri Academies in Italy and internationally, which in the 2023-24 season offered programs led by approximately 2,500 Milan coaches and educators, involving over 20,000 boys and girls across three different continents.
For commercial reasons only…
Growing the brand. A lot of money in Dubai. Opens the door for oil money.
All they care is money nothing else
Corruption, pandering, One should learn about the unspeakable culture. Italy should arrest anyone dealing with these ppl.
Sellouts with no dignity. Ruining the club’s identity.
Should open one in brazil if not yet. where actual football talents are.. never heard of a good Uae player