The Academy grows in Turkey

Since the founding of the first site in January 2018, in Ümraniye, a quarter of Istanbul, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy has grown quickly in Turkey and now counts more than 1000 kids across the 10 sites in the country’s major cities.

Nihat Uğurlu, Manager of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy, has no intention of stopping here, with more sites planned to open throughout the 2020-21 season:

“Our ambition is to become the reference for youth development in Turkey. The city of Mersin is very special for us because it’s our first centre outside the five biggest cities in Turkey. We aim to draw on the potential in this beautiful city. Our aim is to have 30 centres in the country’s 20 provinces.”

The growth of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy has not done any harm to the quality of the services offered as the centres boast quality facilities allowing the kids to train in the best possible conditions all year round. The coaches are all trained in the Paris Saint-Germain training methods and share daily their know-how and club values with the youngsters.

But the aim is not only to improve young footballers but also help the younger generation grow. The Academy is there to progress their skills on the pitch, but also instil values to help them in their daily lives off the pitch as well.

The Academy pays special attention to the education of the children, offering, in association with their training, language courses, visits from referees and also doctors to show the kids the importance of playing within the boundaries of the law, with respect for all, and also how to lead the healthy lifestyle of a professional athlete.

In Turkey, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy is a vehicle for growth, savoir-faire, football skills and educational values, all across the country.