Qatar Players Association welcomed the agreement signed between Qatar University, Qatar Football Association, Aspire Zone and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in relation to the Academic Program for Elite Athletes. The program will enable elite athletes specially footballers to be admitted at Qatar University various academic programs under special circumstances to maintain balance between academia and sports.
Qatar Players Association’s President, Mr. Salman A. Al-Ansari, said such agreement has tremendous importance because it will create an environment in which the footballers will possess the opportunity to balance their professional career with their academic endeavor. Mr. Al-Ansari added, this program is a result of collective efforts amongst the football family to provide footballers with opportunities to progress academically as a step to prepare them for their life after their professional career.
In addition, Mr. Al-Ansari indicated that the Academic Program for Elite Athletes will create confidence within parents due to the fact that each parent worries about their children academic progress and their ability to transit from professional football to the workforce. He added, such agreement is a second step, after the establishment of the Players Rewards Fund (Thuker) towards protecting footballers’ future.
Mr. Al-Ansari concluded his statement with an appreciation for all stakeholders who made this agreement happen.