Sabah FC launches 10 million manat program to support youth football

Sabah club has announced the establishment of a financial program worth 10 million manats aimed at supporting the sustainable development of youth football in Azerbaijan and the region.

According to 1news.az, this was stated in the club's announcement.

The statement notes that, by order of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Sabah club was granted financial support in the amount of 5 million manats in connection with its qualification for the general stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League.

The club decided to direct the support provided toward the future of Azerbaijani football, allocating an additional 5 million manats from the funds received for participation in the UEFA Champions League to the development of youth football.

Thus, the initial capital of the "Sabah Football Academy Future Talents" program will amount to 10 million manats.

Professional management of the program's funds is envisaged with the aim of generating income and turning them into a long-term financial source.

In addition, a certain portion of the funds received from ticket sales for the club's Champions League matches this year will also be directed toward implementing the program.

The main goals of the project are: ensuring the sustainable development of youth football in Azerbaijan, strengthening the identification of talented children and providing their professional training, introducing modern training methods, as well as developing sports science, medical support, performance analytics, education, and individual development.

"Sabah FC aims to expand the talent identification system throughout the country and to create equal opportunities for the development of promising footballers regardless of the region where the children live and the financial means of their families," the club emphasizes.

The club also noted that it attaches particular importance to aligning the initiative with AFFA's activities on the development of children's and youth football, to mutual cooperation and the exchange of experience.

In the long term, Sabah plans to expand cooperation with academies, football schools, and clubs operating in the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia, and to turn the academy into one of the leading football development centers in the region.

"Sabah FC will provide domestic companies and international partners with the opportunity to join the initiative in the format of a 'Founding Partner,'" the statement notes.