The Maldives is set to benefit from a new collaboration with Liverpool Football Club, as part of a broader initiative tied to the Visit Maldives tourism promotion campaign. Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu highlighted that technical assistance from the English Premier League club will contribute to the long-term development of football in the Maldives, following high-level discussions held during the recent official visit to Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Minister Rafiu stated that the agreement, discussed with senior officials from the Liverpool International Academy, includes plans to bring structured training and development opportunities to local football coaches and athletes. One of the key outcomes of the talks is the proposed establishment of a Liverpool FC Academy in the Maldives. This initiative aims to introduce world-class football training practices and create a sustainable pathway for youth and professional football development across the country.
The hour-long meeting with Liverpool FC’s Vice President, Senior Development Coach, and Senior Business Manager focused on identifying the specific technical and infrastructure requirements necessary to bring the academy project to life. Discussions covered potential training facilities, accommodation for staff, and the role of local coaches. According to Minister Rafiu, Liverpool FC will take the lead in designing the educational framework for the academy, and a full-time coach from the club will be stationed in the Maldives to oversee its implementation.
The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for current and aspiring Maldivian coaches to receive international-level training and certification, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the development of football talent nationwide. This initiative mirrors successful Liverpool FC Academy projects implemented in other countries and is aligned with the government’s efforts to promote sports as a means of youth empowerment and national engagement.
Minister Rafiu described the visit as a strong starting point in formalizing the agreement, with Liverpool FC expected to share further technical details and implementation plans with the Maldivian government in the coming weeks. In addition to enhancing the country’s sports sector, the partnership also reinforces the Maldives’ expanding international visibility through its ongoing tourism collaboration with Liverpool FC, a strategic move that combines athletic development with cultural and economic diplomacy.
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