AC Milan’s partnership with the Colombo Athletic and Football Academy (CAFA), gathers more traction as it announced the much anticipated second instalment of their academy camp in Sri Lanka, marking the third significant youth football exposure program delivered in just nine months.
This remarkable frequency of world-class training opportunities demonstrates that these initiatives are far from one-off events.
Instead, they represent a structured, long-term collaboration between the CAFA and AC Milan, designed to create progressive football development pathways for Lankan youth.
The officials from the CAFA and AC Milan, announced that the camp run from 8-13 September will welcome both boys and girls aged 6-17 years, reinforcing the inclusive approach to youth development.
These details were revealed by CAFA President Ajai Vir Singh during a media conference held at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo on Tuesday (9). Ambassador of Italy for Sri Lanka and Maldives Damiano Francovigh also spoke at the event.
Ajay Vir Singh stated: “This is the start of a new era of football and sports education in this country. AL Milan brings their 125-year heritage and success story in the form of a holistic training structure for our next generation. This will also open doors for boys aged 5 to 17 to maximise their potential, introducing a systematic approach to sports that covers nutrition, mental health, strength training and more.”
The Italian envoy to Sri Lanka expressed his unbridled enthusiasm for the project, stating: “The collaboration between CAFA and AC Milan represents a unique pathway for young footballers in Sri Lanka to pursue their dreams and connect with one of the most iconic football clubs in the world and overseen by some of their reputed coaches.”
These camps will not only enhance the technical skills of young athletes but also focus on their physical and mental wellbeing, following a holistic approach based on the AC Milan method.
The officials stated that it further represents another significant step in the global expansion of the Milan Junior Camp project-following a summer that saw the initiative also start in 23 cities across North America and Europe.
PHOTO ISHAN SANJEEWA