Arsene Wenger joined Bahrain Football Association president Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa at an event in Manama to celebrate the progress of the country's Fifa Talent Academy.
The ceremony paid tribute to Bahrain’s track record of supporting young talent under the Fifa Talent Development Scheme (TDS).
Launched in 2022, the TDS aims to help Fifa members identify and develop young talent and to raise the standard of national-team football for both men and women.
The TDS, led by Wenger, the former Arsenal manager and now chief of Fifa's Global Football Development, aims to have 75 elite Fifa Talent Academies operational by the end of 2027.
Wenger said: “The ultimate objectives of Fifa Talent Academies are to develop young players by providing them with the highest levels of training, education and development to help them reach their full potential, contributing to the overall growth of football in the country."
“Bahrain has been a pioneer in the Fifa Talent Development Scheme and I want to thank you for your support. Together, we celebrate the great progress that has been made,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino in a video message.
“We are also aware that football has an important role to play beyond the pitch, so the Fifa Talent Academies will look to develop well-rounded individuals by instilling values such as discipline, teamwork and leadership through football in a safe environment. This will ensure that players not only excel on the pitch but also grow as responsible, contributing members of society.”
