Al-Qadsiah Becomes First Saudi Football Academy to Receive AFC Recognition Under Elite Youth Scheme

Al-Qadsiah Football Academy has received two-star status accreditation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under its Elite Youth Scheme, becoming the first Saudi academy to receive it. The achievement reflects the level of development in the club’s talent identification and development system.
 The two-star rating represents the second of three levels under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme. It covers criteria related to the quality and scope of player development programs, as well as the technical, administrative, and organizational aspects of academy operations.
 The assessment covered several areas, most notably the player experience and development pathway, training facilities and equipment, age-appropriate technical curricula, coach development, and the availability of medical and fitness staff.
 It also covered player welfare programs addressing health, education, safeguarding, and psychological support, as well as the organizational structure and development plans.
 The academy’s receipt of AFC recognition builds on Al-Qadsiah Club’s efforts to develop its infrastructure, technical programs, and specialized personnel, and to strengthen its talent identification and development system, supporting the sustainable development of its youth sector.