Fellows Book Online Version 2020

6 This has been a difficult year for the entire globe with the coronavirus pandemic that severely changed our lives, challenged us all to consider new and different ways to remain relevant and functional. When l look at the way we have been able to put together and hold this 6th edition of Aspire Academy Global online, l am impressed by the creativity and resourcefulness that has gone into making it possible to hold one of our Aspire Academy flagship annual events which we take great pride in. Since it started, “Aspire in the World Fellows” community has chartered a unique chapter in the world of football by openly collaborating and sharing training methods between clubs, who normally operate exclusively and keep their work a guarded secret from fellow competitors. It is a reflection of a communal working together for greater good spirit, that makes it possible to be meeting virtually in such difficult times to further enhance the work and goals of “Aspire in the Fellows Community.” We have all missed the usual sport activities we have been used to and our world has been turned upside down by this setback. As football people, we know about hiccups and setbacks and we also know how to regroup and respond. The assembled speakers for this year’s Summit all bring with them a wealth of real- life experiences from different spheres and sporting codes. This year’s chosen format of “FELLOWS TALKS” which is like that of TED Talk, lines up a series of inspirational mini-talks delivered by fascinating personalities. As you listen to the stories you will be able to draw lessons and pick up pearls of wisdom, which will bring about means and ways to enhance your own experiences. This is quite appropriate in the current environment, when we all could do with among other attributes, authentic personal reflection, introspection and encouragement as we rejuvenate ourselves to overcome setbacks that we have encountered. I believe within each one of us lies the resilience to turn obstacles into opportunities. At Aspire, every year we have the privilege of being involved in this global sports programme and we are fortunate to always have the partnership and support of Qatar Football Association who we work closely with on all football matters. These are people who have been working in football development for many years and have seen the growth of the game in our country. Under the QFA leadership we, at Aspire, have been patiently supported and allowed the space to run programmes; Opening Remarks by Summit Chairman as we try to improve and strengthen our football pedigree and ultimately results for Qatar national teams. The recent qualification by Aspire developed U-16 and U-19 Qatar national football teams, for their respective AFC Championships bear witness to the process bearing fruit. The AFC U-16 and AFC U-19 Championships, initially scheduled for Bahrain and Uzbekistan this year, have been postponed until early 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and our teams will be pushing hard to qualify for the U-17 and U-20 FIFA World Cup tournaments. The work and input of “Aspire in the World Fellows” community is a catalyst to these results. So, the process and programmes that we, at Aspire Academy and QFA, put together in the 2011 road map that sought to develop and prepare teams with targets such as sustained qualification for AFC Championships and FIFA World Cups for our age group teams are on track. The ultimate goal in all this is to have a well-prepared Qatar Cup National Team ready for FIFA World Cup, 2022 on home soil. The 2019 Asian Cup victory by our senior National Team went a long way in encouraging a whole country, everybody around Aspire Academy and all at the Qatar Football Association to carry on striving for excellence as each step on this journey falls into place. I hope that these examples of perseverance, persistence and patience can also continue to encourage and motivate this unique group, the Aspire in the World Fellows, to rise above setbacks, examine and replenish yourselves individually and as a community as you pursue your noble goals aimed at bringing about unparalleled results for world youth football performance & science. Ali Salem Afifa Aspire Academy Global Summit Chairman