The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced the introduction of new competitions for the Under-5, Under-7, and Under-9 age groups for the first time, as part of its strategic plan to develop age-group competitions and complete the system of competitions extending up to the Under-21 level.

The launch of these competitions is part of the national talent development pathway, which aims to expand the base of practitioners, provide greater opportunities for clubs, academies, schools, and sports entities to participate in official competitions, along with providing an organized environment that contributes to educating players, developing their basic skills, and enhancing their passion for football from an early age.

The newly introduced age-group competitions will be held in a gathering (festival) format within cities, helping to reduce travel distances, increase the number of matches, and raise participation rates.

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Competitions for the Under-11, Under-12, Under-13, and Under-14 age groups will continue under the updated structure, through a league system within cities and regions, with an expansion in the number of host cities and regions, enhancing technical interaction and supporting the talent discovery and development process.

The new competitions aim to achieve ambitious technical targets, including 50 cities across Saudi Arabia, and providing more than 20 matches per team during the season.

The targets include the participation of more than 1,300 teams, the holding of over 13,000 matches, and targeting the participation of more than 24,000 players, contributing to expanding the base of practitioners, providing more playing minutes, and developing players' skills at early age stages.

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Archival photo

Archival photo

Last season saw 3,248 matches held in the youth competitions (formerly known as 'Baraem'), with the participation of more than 12,000 players from 488 teams, an indicator reflecting the widening base of participation and the continued development of competitions across Saudi Arabia.

The impact of these competitions is not limited to player development, but extends to the comprehensive development of the football system, by providing greater opportunities for the development of referees, observers, and organizers.

Last season saw the participation of more than 6,500 referees and 3,065 observers in managing and organizing age-group competitions, a direct reflection of the continuous growth witnessed in competitions at various levels.

Archival photo

Archival photo

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation calls for registration and completion of the requirements for obtaining the necessary licenses and federation membership during the period ending on August 13, ensuring the completion of regulatory procedures and preparation for participation in the new season's competitions.

The development of the Baraem and youth competitions is part of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's targets aimed at building an integrated player development pathway, starting from early age stages and extending to the national teams, contributing to preparing a new generation of talents capable of representing Saudi football in the future.