Algiers – The Algerian School Sports Federation (ASSF), led by its president Abdelhafid Izem, announced the creation of a specialized committee to oversee team sports in schools. Schools across Algeria are now required to form at least one sports team to participate in various competitions.
A Strategic Move to Revive School Sports
Speaking at a forum hosted by El Fajr daily, Izem emphasized that this initiative is aligned with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives to rejuvenate school sports, especially team sports, as a platform to discover future talents.
He detailed the formation of the committee, which includes representatives from the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Sports, and the ASSF. Effective from the current sports season, all primary, middle, and high schools must form at least one team to compete in regional and national tournaments.
Building Future Champions
President Tebboune’s vision for sports development extends to the introduction of nearly 16,000 physical education teachers at the primary level—a historic milestone. These teachers have undergone specialized training, enhancing their qualifications to identify and nurture talent among Algeria’s 11 million school students.
“This substantial student population offers an unprecedented opportunity to discover young talents who can represent Algeria on international platforms,” said Izem.
Launch of Nationwide Competitions
The ASSF plans to kick off the multi-stage school sports competitions starting January 7. The competitions will include local, provincial, regional, and national phases. Izem highlighted the focus on team sports as they harbor the highest potential for talent discovery.
The federation will evaluate participants at each stage, selecting top talents to feed into professional clubs and national teams in coordination with relevant sports federations. “This ensures that promising talents are nurtured rather than lost, preparing them to become future champions,” he added.
Financial Support and Local Oversight
For the first time, schools organizing inter-school tournaments will receive a financial grant of 150,000 Algerian dinars. This funding is part of the state’s broader strategy to support school sports. Provincial committees, led by governors, will monitor these competitions to ensure their success.
A Vision for Sporting Excellence
The initiative aims not only at broad participation but also at identifying Algeria’s future stars, akin to legendary athletes like Hassiba Boulmerka, Noureddine Morceli, and Abdelrahman Hammadi, who were discovered through school competitions.
“Our ultimate goal is to nurture these young talents and guide them to excel internationally, bringing glory to Algeria,” concluded Izem.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
Keyphrase: Algerian school sports, talent discovery, youth sports development, future champions
