Business & Money | Tuesday 28 April, 2015 3:17 pm |

Ooredoo and Paris Saint-Germain continue to expand their football coaching programme for young people across the MENA region, with the latest “Paris Saint-Germain Academy brought to you by Ooredoo” taking place in Algeria last weekend.

Since the launch in 2014, Ooredoo and Paris Saint-Germain have organised Academies in Qatar, Oman and Tunisia, encouraging aspiring young footballers to pursue their sporting dreams. More than 1,000 young people have taken part in the Academies over the past year.

On the 24-25 April, the Academy arrived at a major sports complex in Algiers, Algeria, with two hundred and fifty young people taking the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most experienced football trainers. In addition, a number of local sport celebrities attended the opening ceremony for the Academy, to inspire the young players.

During the sessions – which are free for selected children in each country – Paris Saint-Germain’s top coaches teach football-related skills and lead educational sessions on the key values of Paris Saint-Germain, such as fair play, team effort and determination. The opportunity to access the international experience of the coaches, as well as the teaching methods of the Academy, has provided incredible motivation for the young participants.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “The Paris Saint-Germain Academy brought to you by Ooredoo offers education and motivation for aspiring footballers, which in turn creates life opportunities for these young people. Ooredoo believes in helping people realise their potential, and we are delighted that the Academy has launched in Algeria, which has such a rich sporting history and passionate population of young football fans.”

The Academy programme will continue across Ooredoo markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia throughout 2015.

Earlier in April, Ooredoo and Paris Saint-Germain launched a global communications campaign, “Fans Do Wonders.” This innovative initiative is the most important international
advertising campaign ever conducted by a Paris Saint-Germain partner, and fans can join the fun at www.fansdowonders.com.

Ooredoo and Paris Saint-Germain signed a sponsorship agreement in September 2013. Ooredoo’s partnership with Paris Saint-Germain places a strong emphasis on engaging people through sport and encouraging them to live healthy, active lifestyles. In addition to the Academy, Ooredoo’s work with Paris Saint-Germain has brought the brand to a global audience.