DUBAI, UAE & GLASGOW, UK – FirstPoint USA, the world’s leading US sports scholarship agency, has announced a landmark partnership with Juventus Academy Dubai & Sharjah, one of the UAE & Middle East’s most prestigious football Academy, to open up life-changing US college soccer pathways for aspiring young athletes across the UAE.
Since launching in 2015, Juventus Academy Dubai & Sharjah has been at the forefront of youth development in the UAE, educating and nurturing young talent through the renowned ‘Juventus Method’. Having worked with over 1,200 players every sports season across nine locations, the Academy’s high-level professional coaching staff works with players aged 4 to 17. Built on a philosophy of focus, passion, method, and dedication, the Academy develops athletes both on and off the pitch, following the motto ‘Growing up people, before players.’
At the elite level, the Academy's teams consistently rank among the top three in the UAE's leading youth competitions, achieving success in the DOFA League, YFL, and GCC Cup. Internationally, the Academy has established itself among the world's best in many tournaments in the GCC, competing against more than 20 Juventus Academies at the prestigious Juventus Academy World Cup, where it has claimed two titles and one third-place finish.
Through this new strategic collaboration, Juventus Academy players will gain access to FirstPoint USA’s industry-leading recruitment, placement, and evaluation services. This creates a direct, world-class talent pipeline for US collegiate coaches seeking elite international student-athletes, combining top-tier football development with higher education at leading American universities.
Mohammed Lajam, Chairman of FFG Sports Management, said:
"At FFG Sports Management, we are committed to creating opportunities that extend far beyond the football pitch. Our partnership with FirstPoint USA represents an important milestone in our mission to support the holistic development of our Juventus Academy players, providing them with a clear pathway to pursue higher education while continuing their football journey. We are proud to offer our players the opportunity to combine academic excellence with elite athletic development, empowering them to build successful futures both on and off the field."
Fabrizio Puglisi, CEO of FFG Sports Management, added:
"Another exciting step for our Juventus Academy families, perfectly in line with our motto, 'Growing up people before players.' Through our partnership with FirstPoint USA, our players now have access to top-level coaching, opportunities to compete both locally and internationally, and the chance to earn scholarships at leading U.S. universities, combining their passion for football with a world-class education and a bright future."
Founded in 2001, FirstPoint USA has supported more than 40,000 student-athletes in securing scholarship opportunities at top US colleges. As the only agency outside the US certified by the NCAA, FirstPoint provides a hands-on, bespoke recruitment service supported by an extensive network of college coaches across the United States.
Andrew Kean, Founder and CEO of FirstPoint USA, commented:
"Partnering with a club as globally renowned and prestigious as Juventus Academy Dubai & Sharjah marks a major milestone for FirstPoint USA. Over 10 years, Juventus Academy has built a reputation for developing technically gifted, highly disciplined young players in the UAE. We are delighted to collaborate with their team to guide these aspiring student-athletes and their families through the US scholarship process. This alliance creates an exceptional new talent pipeline for college coaches, while offering Juventus academy players the platform to elevate both their academic and footballing careers at top universities in the US."
Juventus Academy Dubai & Sharjah continues to offer players unmatched exposure and development opportunities—recently hosting training sessions with Juventus legends Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Sebastian Giovinco, David Trezeguet, and Edgar Davids. The comprehensive coaching philosophy integrates technical and tactical skills with essential mental, emotional, and social growth.
About Juventus Academy Dubai & Sharjah:
Managed by FFG Sports Management, Juventus Academy Dubai & Sharjah provides world-class football training for boys and girls aged 4 to 17 across the UAE. Utilizing the proven ‘Juventus Method’, the academy focuses on holistic player development, combining technical excellence with personal growth.
