Riyadh, December 22, 2024 – The Saudi Scholarship Program for Developing Football Talents, known as Future Falcons, continues to make significant strides in advancing the development of young football players in Saudi Arabia. Launched as part of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) broader vision for football excellence, the program has become a cornerstone of the country’s ambitious football transformation strategy. Future Falcons is designed to nurture and cultivate the next generation of professional footballers, equipping them with the skills, experience, and discipline needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
The program has undergone a significant transition in recent years, shifting its oversight to the technical department of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation under the leadership of Technical Director Nasser Larguet. This transition reflects the Federation’s commitment to providing a more structured and professional environment for the young talents enrolled in the program. The program’s coaching staff is led by Croatian football expert Dr. Romeo Jozak, alongside Michel Salgado, coach of the Saudi U-16 national team, who together have carefully crafted the training schedule for the current 2024–2025 season. Approved in November 2023, the program’s rigorous framework is designed to prepare these players for the demands of professional football, and the training sessions are being held in Salou, Spain. Over the course of two seasons, participants gain invaluable exposure to the professional football world, laying the foundation for the start of their professional careers.
The Future Falcons program offers a unique and comprehensive approach to player development, ensuring that young athletes are equipped not only with technical and physical skills but also with the essential tools to thrive off the field. The program integrates secondary and middle school education into its framework, ensuring that players maintain their academic growth alongside their football development. Modern training techniques are applied, allowing players to refine their technical skills and improve their physical fitness. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of professional culture, dietary habits, and mental conditioning, creating well-rounded athletes who are prepared for the challenges of professional football.
One of the key aspects of the Future Falcons program is the emphasis on immersion in a professional environment. Players are given the opportunity to participate in daily training sessions, matches, and friendly tournaments, ensuring that they gain experience in competitive settings. This holistic approach helps young athletes transition smoothly into the professional realm by exposing them to the rigors and demands of top-level football, while also helping them develop crucial life skills.
Yasser Al-Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, has been a staunch advocate for the program’s success, crediting its ongoing development to the unwavering support of the Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal. Al-Misehal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Minister for his continued commitment to the program, noting that Prince Abdulaziz's oversight has played a pivotal role in the progress and success of Future Falcons over the years. Al-Misehal also highlighted the Minister's vital contribution to the development of professional football talents in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Misehal further emphasized that the Future Falcons program is an essential part of a larger, comprehensive roadmap aimed at producing an exceptional generation of football players over the next decade. He noted that this initiative aligns perfectly with the broader goals of Saudi Arabia's football transformation strategy, which seeks to elevate the level of football in the Kingdom and establish a strong presence on the global stage. As part of the Saudi Federation’s long-term vision, Future Falcons aims to identify, develop, and nurture promising young players who will go on to represent the country at the highest levels of international football.
With the continued support from the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Football Federation, Future Falcons is poised to have a lasting impact on the future of Saudi football. The program not only strengthens the country's football infrastructure but also plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of football stars, ensuring that Saudi Arabia continues to make its mark on the global football landscape. As the program moves forward, the commitment to excellence and development will undoubtedly inspire many more young athletes to pursue their dreams of professional football.
