FIFA chooses Morocco's model for producing young football talent

FIFA held a workshop last June dedicated to the Talent Development Programme launched in 2020 by Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Head of Global Development. 

The Mohammed VI Football Academy brought together more than 50 development specialists and technical advisors. Their aim was to discuss techniques to apply to young talents and prepare the future for the rest of the membership to support this type of scheme. 

During the conference, FIFA highlighted the work of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). President Fouzi Lekjaa said in his speech that "the development of football in Morocco is based on a triangular approach that must form the basis of the development of any system: facilities, talent and qualified personnel". "Together with my colleagues at the FRMF, I am convinced that these three fundamentals must be present for the process to develop as it should," he said. 

FIFA chose the Mohammed VI Academy as the jewel in the crown of Moroccan football and one of the largest academies in the world. It opened in 2019, with 30 hectares of facilities and equipment approved by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 

Lekjaa explained to the FIFA members the regional plan for Moroccan football: "We have a team that oversees development in the 12 regions of the country, starting with talent spotting, with young players attending club academies.  That's why we have made a big effort for the clubs to have their own academies.  The regional academies are the same as the national academy, only smaller.  The best players from the regions come to the centre of excellence, which has a coaching and medical staff that works with outstanding young players at grassroots level and takes them to the next level.  This is how our development cycle is designed.  It starts with talent spotting at grassroots level, and that talent is then channelled to the clubs, the regional academy and then on to the national centre of excellence."

"We have embarked on a sports curriculum with the Ministry of National Education to create school structures across the country that can accommodate children who play football all the time, offering them a timetable tailored to each level of schooling," added the newly elected FRMF president.

Steven Martens, FIFA's technical director, said: "The FRMF is very important for FIFA and football in Africa, not only because of its facilities but also because of its programmes, the vision of the president and the quality of its training". 

Two former players, Portugal's Nuno Gomes and France's Silvestre, praised the Moroccan model: "It is outstanding. It's lush and green, the pitches are ready and the working environment is first class". 

The future of Moroccan football is secure. France is one of the countries that imports the most talent to its competition, although in Spain, Sevilla is also a good partner. Five World Cup appearances attest to the work, but, above all, what the Atlas Lions are capable of doing at Qatar 2022.