Paris Saint-Germain officially open the PSG Academy in Morocco with Achraf Hakimi | OneFootball

Today, Paris Saint-Germain celebrated the official opening of the PSG Academy in Morocco. For this significant event, Achraf Hakimi, the iconic PSG defender and a symbol of Moroccan football, honored the day with his presence, bringing inspiration and pride to the Academy's children and Moroccan fans of the Parisian club.

The PSG Academy Morocco, located in Tamaris, Casablanca, has been open since last September. It offers high-quality training inspired by Paris Saint-Germain’s methodology to young boys and girls in Morocco aged 4 to 18. Led by experienced trainer David Boulanger, the Academy already has nearly 300 participants and provides top-notch facilities, with 5, 7, and 11-a-side pitches.

The connection between Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco reflects a shared passion for football. Morocco ranks as the 10th country in terms of PSG followers on social media, with 4.9 million fans. The opening of this Academy in Morocco further strengthens the unique bond between Paris Saint-Germain and this football-loving nation.

A Memorable Event and a Symbol of Solidarity

The official opening day offered the 300 young players and their families a moment full of emotion. Upon his arrival, Achraf Hakimi was welcomed with a guard of honor and enjoyed a Q&A session with children from the Academy, followed by official photos. The defender also kicked off the first official training session, marking the start of a new journey for Morocco’s young talents.

Nadia Benmokhtar, Director of Diversification & Merchandising, stated: “We are extremely proud to officially open the PSG Academy Morocco with Achraf Hakimi, an emblematic player from our first team. His participation in this event is a powerful symbol, not only for the young Moroccan talents at our Academy but also for the PSG Academy program as a whole. Its mission is to bring the Paris Saint-Germain training methodology, which has earned our academy and professional team global recognition. All the conditions are in place for the PSG Academy to achieve great success in Morocco.'

In collaboration with the Achraf Hakimi Foundation, the PSG Academy Morocco embodies values of support and solidarity. Ten children from underprivileged backgrounds were awarded registration scholarships, granting them the opportunity to join the Academy. This partnership also includes access to Academy facilities and coaches for Foundation events.

Fabien Allègre, Senior Management Committee Member of the Club, stated: 'This project will give rise to several initiatives for children in need in the region. PSG for Communities and the Achraf Hakimi Foundation aim to combine efforts on joint actions focused on education and sports, using this new Academy as a starting point.'

Achraf Hakimi, visibly moved by the occasion, said: “For me, this is more than just a project; it’s a vision of commitment to the development of children in my country. The PSG Academy Morocco is not just a football school; it’s a vibrant space where each child has the opportunity to grow, flourish, and pursue their dreams. Being here with the children from the Achraf Hakimi Foundation for this official opening and seeing the spark of passion and determination in their eyes is deeply touching, as I see myself in them, driven by my own hopes and challenges. Together, in our beautiful country of Morocco, we offer them a joyful and enriching experience, allowing them to believe in their potential and build their future with pride.”

This celebratory moment created unforgettable memories for the children of the PSG Academy, gathered with their families. Smiles, exchanges, and authentic connections marked this day dedicated to youth, sports, and friendship – values cherished by Paris Saint-Germain.

The event is an integral part of the 2024 Year of Culture program led by Morocco and Qatar.

More about the Academy

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