Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, attended the press conference to announce the launch of the National Project for Developing National Football Team Coaches (Elite National Coaches), in collaboration with the British University in Egypt and in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. This project is based on a tripartite cooperation protocol signed by the Ministry with the Egyptian Football Association and Right to Dream Academy. The project aims to enhance the capabilities of 22 national football team coaches according to the latest practical foundations in terms of techniques, tactics, playing methods, and various training programs.

During his speech, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy emphasized that the National Project for Developing National Football Team Coaches is one of the latest initiatives resulting from research and development efforts by the Ministry. It focuses on training, development, preparation, and qualification of national football team coaches. The goal is to elevate their skills using cutting-edge technologies, tactics, and physical and technical programs. The ultimate aim is to obtain internationally recognized coaching licenses, which will positively impact the performance of national teams in various competitions.

The study duration is one year, divided into specific periods throughout the year. The study takes place at the British University in Egypt in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. Additionally, Right to Dream, a global company with branches in various countries, is a strategic partner in the first football training program. The collaboration aims to provide opportunities for coaches to gain international exposure and experience.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy further highlighted Egypt’s vision for football development, starting from coaches to players. The country’s passion for football reflects the general mood in Egyptian streets, and the project’s objective is to create genuine and diverse football products. By adhering to specific criteria and assessments, the project aims to select national team coaches who can contribute sustainably to the game’s development.

Dr. Mohamed Lotfy, from the British University, emphasized that the collaboration between the British University and the Ministry of Youth and Sports serves as an ideal model for partnerships between the government, academia, and the sports community. He expressed gratitude to the Minister for choosing the British University as a partner in this significant national initiative.

This collaboration reflects the success of the British University’s strategy in serving both local and global communities, aligning with sustainable development goals. It also supports the political leadership’s vision for building the New Republic and achieving Egypt’s 2030 vision. The cooperation extends to other important initiatives, such as climate marathons, public health marathons, climate summit simulations, and launching medical caravans.

Dr. Lotfy emphasized that this model of collaboration contributes to exchanging expertise and knowledge, enhancing mutual understanding, and improving coaching quality by combining diverse experiences and cultures. He expressed confidence that this program will play a significant role in developing the skills of Egyptian coaches and enhancing the performance of national teams.

In his statement, Gamal Allam, the President of the Egyptian Football Association, expressed his happiness with this project, thanking Dr. Ashraf Sobhy for his continuous efforts and commitment to developing football. He added, ‘We are fortunate to have Dr. Sobhy as the Minister of Youth and Sports.’ Allam emphasized that Egypt possesses a generation of coaches who are also fortunate to benefit from this project, which aims to enhance and elevate the skills of Egyptian coaches and restore the prestige of Egyptian football.

Allam further explained that coaching licenses had been on hold since 2016, but last year they resumed the coaching courses for License A and B. The collaboration between the Ministry, the Egyptian Football Association, and the Right to Dream Academy aims to provide something different and professional. This initiative represents a hopeful step toward the future of Egyptian football, leveraging the expertise of national team coaches.

Mohamed Wessam, the CEO of the Right to Dream Academy, expressed gratitude to Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, the Minister of Youth and Sports, for his dedication to sports development. He highlighted the significant achievements across various sports and the positive changes happening in the country. Wessam stated that they are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, offering a program focused on developing national team coaches. The vision is clear: investing in football coaches contributes to the overall development of sports in Egypt. They recognize that the foundation of any nation lies in its sports sector and guiding future generations toward enhancing their abilities and achieving their dreams through knowledge exchange with global experts.

Wessam emphasized their commitment to building a new generation of coaches, fostering fresh aspirations, and creating suitable opportunities for all coaches. The Right to Dream Academy has a rich history of success, having launched 25 years ago and produced top coaches, including the current coach of Ghana’s national team. As part of the program, coaches will travel for immersive experiences in the United States and Denmark, aiming to develop professional football coaches and elevate Egyptian coaches to European standards, enhancing game management in line with modern football.

Alaa Nabil, the Technical Director of the Egyptian Football Association, described this project as a significant surprise for him. He believes that coaches are the primary developers of football players, and investing in coaching benefits player development. Nabil acknowledged that Egyptian coaches faced challenges in recent years, especially in Arab countries where the demand for Egyptian coaches declined. However, he observed a gradual resurgence of the Egyptian coach’s role. This project comes at an opportune time, aligning with modern football trends and the progress made by countries adopting advanced training methods.

Nabil stressed the importance of continuous education for coaches, as they play a fundamental role in the overall system’s development. Additionally, he highlighted the need for psychological preparation to handle match pressure, especially during critical moments and injury time. The National Project for Developing National Team Coaches presents a great opportunity for the current generation of coaches to participate in a program that starts with 22 national team coaches and later includes a larger number of club coaches.

Dr. Jay Daly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the British University in Egypt, emphasized that the ‘Coach Elite Program’ is one of the essential joint initiatives between the British University in Egypt and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The program aims to enhance the competencies of football coaches in Egypt, focusing on providing the latest scientific and technical knowledge aligned with international standards. The partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University ensures the quality and international accreditation of the training content.

The program covers several key areas, including continuous professional development. Coaches receive training on the latest coaching methods, technical and strategic analysis techniques, teamwork skills, and effective communication. The program also focuses on assessment and personal development, providing tools for performance measurement and personalized coaching plans. Additionally, technology in sports training is emphasized, training coaches to use cutting-edge performance analysis techniques and develop customized training programs.