Markaz Reaffirms Support for LOYAC AC Milan Soccer Academy, Advancing Youth Development in Kuwait

Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” has reaffirmed its role as a leading supporter of the LOYAC AC Milan Soccer Academy in Kuwait, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than fifteen years and contributed to the training of over 1400 young players. The academy integrates world-class and innovative coaching practices designed to enhance participants’ skills to refine their abilities and compete at the highest standard. This commitment reflects Markaz’s focus on the ‘building human capacity’ pillar of its corporate social responsibility strategy and its long-standing collaboration with LOYAC, now in its thirty-second year, to equip youth with the skills and values needed to thrive.

The program’s impact extends well beyond athletic performance, generating measurable social value. Participants train under international standards, gain exposure to competitive environments locally and abroad, and develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership, capabilities that translate into stronger community engagement and future employability. The academy’s legacy is marked by milestone achievements such as participating as the first Arab team in the International Youth Peace Tournament in Verona, Italy, underscoring the program’s capacity to elevate talent while broadening cultural exchange and global mindset.

Markaz’s support is driven by a dual commitment to legacy and innovation. The longevity of the partnership ensures continuity, trust, and compounding impact, while the academy’s adoption of modern methodologies and international best practices sets new benchmarks for youth development in Kuwait. This approach aligns with the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035, which seeks to build a diversified, knowledge-driven economy empowered by capable, confident, and globally minded youth.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Ali H. Khalil, Chief Executive Officer at Markaz, said: ““Our partnership with the LOYAC AC Milan Soccer Academy reflects Markaz’s ongoing commitment to building human capacity and empowering youth to reach their full potential. Over the past fifteen years, the program has trained more than 1400 young players, equipping them not only with technical skills, but also with the discipline, teamwork, and confidence essential for success on and off the field. At Markaz, we view youth development as a national priority and one of the most meaningful investments in Kuwait’s future.”
From her side, Ms. Fareah Al Saqqaf, Chairperson at LOYAC, stated: “We are proud of our enduring partnership with Markaz, which continues to be a fundamental supporter of the LOYAC AC Milan Soccer Academy. Together, we have created a platform that introduces international standards of training and instills essential values in young players. This collaboration reflects our shared vision to empower Kuwait’s youth with the skills and discipline to become future leaders and active contributors to their community.”

The partnership with LOYAC spans a broad portfolio of programs that collectively enhance human capacity across community, professional, life-skills, and physical development. Community empowerment initiatives include the Winter Aid Distribution Initiative, Green Volunteering, the Homes Program, Neqsat Ramadan, Service Is My Joy, and the LOYAC X NAEMATI community service initiatives, which extend support to underprivileged groups and promote environmental awareness and inclusion. Professional empowerment is advanced through the Al Jawhar Program and the Jawhar Podcast, alongside specialized communication and media-readiness training delivered with industry experts such as Ms. Rania Barghout, enabling participants to develop strong public-speaking, presentation, and media interaction skills. Life-skills development is strengthened through workshops like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Teens, the Young Leaders Program in the United Kingdom, the Kon Social Entrepreneurship Program, and the Photography Workshop, which build critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Health and physical empowerment is anchored by the LOYAC AC Milan Soccer Academy itself, supported by Markaz for more than fifteen years and instrumental in training over 780 youth who have benefited from international exposure and competitive opportunities.

Through this comprehensive, multi-year collaboration, Markaz continues to deliver long-term impact and reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and community well-being The initiative is fully aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035 reflecting Markaz’s broader goal of nurturing a capable new generation ready to lead with confidence and purpose.