On Monday, the Ministry of Sport hosted the inaugural Arab Mini Football Forum, which drew participation from 23 nations, including those from the Gulf, Arab, and European regions. The forum commenced with remarks by Dr. Mohammed Al-Dosari, President of the International Mini Football Federation (IMF) and Chairman of the mini football association. He commended the outstanding capabilities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in hosting and organizing significant international sporting events, underscoring its emergence as a leading model in this arena.
Dr. Al-Dosari emphasized that the forum represents a significant initiative for an evolving sport that has witnessed a rapid increase in its player base globally. He noted a recent surge in the game’s popularity across Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world. He asserted that such growth requires an organized governance framework and strategic planning to enhance the sport and train skilled personnel in both technical and administrative aspects.
Hussein Al-Assem, the Secretary-General of the IMF, expressed gratitude to the Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Sport, for its substantial support of mini football. He highlighted the hosting of this forum as evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting the game, which gained international recognition following the establishment of the IMF on March 25, 2023. Al-Assem revealed that the federation’s upcoming calendar for 2025 would be filled with numerous tournaments and events, including the Men’s World Cup, Women’s World Cup, and the Asian Cup.
The first day of the forum featured extensive participation from international and regional leaders specialized in mini football. These delegates engaged in discussions focused on the strategic international development of the sport, sharing global best practices and the experiences of various academies dedicated to mini football. They also explored programs and initiatives designed to market the sport and increase participation, unveiling plans for the first global tournament, which will be held in Oman.
The forum is set to continue on Tuesday, with additional sessions aimed at shedding light on various aspects of mini football. Attendees are expected to discuss implementation strategies for forthcoming plans that aim to advance all facets of the sport, particularly in training, officiating, and management. A variety of specialists from countries around the world are anticipated to contribute to these sessions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and opportunities for growth within mini football.
This forum marks a pivotal moment for mini football, a sport that continues to gain traction and foster community engagement through its inclusive nature. The collaboration among various nations reflects the collective effort to elevate the presence and competitiveness of mini football on a global scale. The strategic insights shared among participants will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.
The initiative not only aims to foster athletic prowess but also aspires to enhance the social fabric of communities by encouraging participation among diverse demographics. By aligning with international standards and best practices, the forum seeks to create a sustainable framework for mini football that can nourish talent and leadership in the sport.
In summary, the inaugural Arab Mini Football Forum is not merely an event; it embodies a larger vision for the future of mini football—a vision of cooperation, shared knowledge, and a commitment to growth that transcends borders. As the discussions unfold in the coming days, the insights gained will surely guide the development and promotion of mini football, ensuring it secures a prominent place on the international sports stage.
