Sixth Phase of FIFA Football for Schools Program Concludes in Al-Ahsa

(FILES) A sign of FIFA is seen at the football's World governing body headquarters on December 17, 2015 in Zurich. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
(FILES) A sign of FIFA is seen at the football's World governing body headquarters on December 17, 2015 in Zurich. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
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Sixth Phase of FIFA Football for Schools Program Concludes in Al-Ahsa

(FILES) A sign of FIFA is seen at the football's World governing body headquarters on December 17, 2015 in Zurich. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
(FILES) A sign of FIFA is seen at the football's World governing body headquarters on December 17, 2015 in Zurich. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)

The sixth phase of the FIFA Football for Schools program for boys and girls, aimed at discovering talent in Al-Ahsa region, concluded on Tuesday.
Organized by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation under FIFA supervision and in collaboration with the ministries of sports and education, the program drew 127 male students, 85 female students, 32 male teachers, 31 female teachers, 19 male coaches, and nine female coaches, SPA reported.
The first day of the program consisted of lectures and workshops for teachers to outline the program's structure.

The second day featured practical training sessions for students, with the field divided into several training stations.

Players were grouped to perform exercises under the guidance of their teachers.
Previous phases of the program were held in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Jazan, and Madinah; the seventh phase is scheduled to take place in Makkah.



Man United’s Amorim Lauds Garnacho’s ‘Complete Game’ in Arsenal Draw

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United greets supporters after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC, in Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2025. (EPA)
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United greets supporters after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC, in Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2025. (EPA)
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Man United’s Amorim Lauds Garnacho’s ‘Complete Game’ in Arsenal Draw

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United greets supporters after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC, in Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2025. (EPA)
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United greets supporters after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC, in Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2025. (EPA)

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was impressed by Alejandro Garnacho's performance as the winger put in a hard shift at Old Trafford during Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal.

The Argentina international was a constant threat for the visitors from the right wing. The 20-year-old won four fouls, more than any other player in the game, including the one that led to Bruno Fernandes's free-kick goal just before the break.

Garnacho, who also delivered two crosses and won the majority of his duels, fared better than his recent performances, after hitting the side netting in Thursday's 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

He had also faced criticism for his reaction to being substituted during last month's 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, heading straight down the tunnel instead of joining the bench.

"I think Garnacho made a really complete game. He was upset last Thursday and today, he was amazing," Amorim told Sky Sports after Sunday's match.

Media reports had linked Garnacho, who joined United in 2020 as an academy player, with a move away from the club in January after Amorim dropped him from the squad along with Marcus Rashford in December, demanding higher standards and competitiveness.

But the manager later backed the former Atletico Madrid youth player, saying Garnacho had changed his attitude and was improving at United.