Muscat – Private sports academies are playing a growing role in discovering young Omani talent and preparing athletes for clubs and national teams, while expanding access to structured training beyond traditional sporting institutions.

Academy officials say the sector is increasingly bridging the gap between promising youngsters and professional pathways by combining technical development with discipline, teamwork and character building.

At Al Habsi Academy, founded around the professional experience of former Oman football captain Ali Al Habsi, training focuses on children aged five to 14 – the formative years before players move into club youth systems.

Jamal bin Hamoud Al Habsi (in the photo above), the academy’s administrative director, said several players have progressed to Oman’s junior and youth national teams. The programme also seeks to introduce youngsters early to the demands and values associated with professional sport.

Its work extends beyond competitive football. The academy has introduced programmes for children with Down syndrome in cooperation with the Omani Down Syndrome Association, focusing on motor skills, social integration and confidence.

For Rio International Sports Academy, access to international expertise is part of the model.

Director General Haitham bin Saeed Al Shanfari said players are exposed to international coaches and professional trials, offering talented athletes a more direct route towards overseas clubs. But he acknowledged that maintaining high-quality programmes and recruiting international specialists comes with significant operating costs.

Academies outside Muscat are also widening the talent pool.

Youssef bin Hashel Al Maskari, head of Global Talents Academy in Ibra, said its programme develops players technically, physically and mentally, with outstanding youngsters promoted annually to club junior and youth teams.

The academy has also introduced sports and recreational activities for girls under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth’s Summer of Sports programme.

In Bahla, Najoum Bahla Sports Academy uses coaches holding Asian Football Confederation licences and has helped move young players into Bahla Club and other local teams.

General supervisor Mohammed bin Ali Al Riyami said consistent year-round training, rather than seasonal participation, was crucial to developing physical, technical and mental skills.

Officials also stress that academies cannot succeed alone.

“The family is the cornerstone of any sports project targeting young people,” said Badr bin Khalifa Al Salmi (in the photo above) of Al Oud Football Academy in Suwaiq.

Al Salmi said sustained progress requires cooperation between families, academies, schools and community institutions, with the ultimate goal extending beyond producing athletes to raising young people with confidence, discipline and a sense of responsibility.