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Aspire Academy School

Part of Aspire Zone Foundation, Founded 2004

Updated July 2026

BoysGender
BoardingType

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglishArabic flagArabicFrench flagFrenchSpanish flagSpanish

Aspire Academy is an elite sports institute in Qatar dedicated to the development of youth athletes through a fully integrated strategy of sports training and academic education. It is recognized for its high-quality international education and its commitment to producing successful student-athletes.

Teaching approach

The academy is mission-driven and vision-led, focusing on the development of student-athletes into proactive knowledge seekers and global citizens. Its core values include accountability, synergy, professionalism, integrity, respect, and excellence. The institution aims to provide a holistic education that prepares students for both sporting success and future careers, ensuring every graduate has a 'plan A' and a 'plan B'.

Programmes

The academic programme is divided into middle school (Grades 7-9) and high school (Grades 10-12), with a curriculum benchmarked against international standards in Arabic, English, mathematics, and science. In the final two years of high school, students choose between a science pathway (including Advanced-Level Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) or an arts pathway (including Advanced-level Geography, History, and Sport Psychology). The training philosophy follows a three-stage development model: the Foundation Year (ages 12-13), Talent Development, and Performance Development (starting at age 16).

Outcomes

To date, 69% of graduates have pursued higher education at universities in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Graduates have achieved success in professional sports, including competing in the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and various World Championships. The academy maintains an 'Elite Athletes Programme' for select alumni, providing them with continuous support and opportunities to serve as role models for current students.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

Teachers are responsible for adapting topics and activities for student-athletes who are absent due to injury, travel, or other justifiable reasons to ensure they do not fall behind. The academy also provides a holistic 'Leadership Development Programme' that emphasizes peer coaching, constructive criticism, and collaboration. Additionally, the University and Career Networking Section assists students with university applications and identifies potential career paths.

Frequently asked questions(4)
Is Aspire Academy School a day or boarding school?
Aspire Academy School is a boarding school.
What accreditations does Aspire Academy School hold?
Aspire Academy School holds accreditations including CIS.
Is Aspire Academy School co-educational?
Aspire Academy School is a boys school.
Where is Aspire Academy School located?
Aspire Academy School is an international school in Doha, Qatar.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Aspire Academy does not accept registrations for full-time student-athletes; they are selected through a nationwide Talent Identification Program. Candidates must be permanent residents of Qatar, have completed Grade 6, and pass a medical test. The selection process involves a three-phase assessment (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) for Grade 6 students, as well as referrals from sports federations and the Qatar Football Association. Parents of prospective students participate in a personal meeting with educational, medical, and football staff to learn about the academy and tour the facilities.

Facilities

Swimming poolSports fieldGymnasiumLibraryScience labsBoarding

About the campus

The campus features the Aspire Dome, a climate-controlled arena capable of hosting 13 sporting events simultaneously, alongside seven outdoor football pitches and a FIFA-approved indoor football pitch. Specialized sports facilities include an IAAF-accredited indoor track, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a diving pool, a fencing and gymnastics hall, squash courts, and table tennis courts. The academic environment includes lecture halls, classrooms, science laboratories, a library, an amphitheater, a medical center, and on-site dormitories.

Co-curriculars

The academy organizes a range of extracurricular activities and service learning days to instill ideals such as life-long learning and community care. Engaging activities, including volunteering and leadership classes, are designed to build character and distinguish student-athletes. Additionally, the academy hosts international camps and competitions, allowing students to gain experience in unfamiliar environments and adapt to different cultures.

  • Ivan Bravo
    Ivan BravoDirector General
  • Ali Salem Afifa
    Ali Salem AfifaDeputy Director General
  • Badr Al-Hay
    Badr Al-HayDirector of Education and Student Affairs
  • Ali Sultan Fakhroo
    Ali Sultan FakhrooChief Corporate Services Officer
  • Valter Di Salvo
    Valter Di SalvoDirector of Football Performance & Science
  • Markus Egger
    Markus EggerDirector of Sport and Strategy
  • Edorta Murua
    Edorta MuruaTechnical Director Football Department