Visits were made to the academies of the League I clubs and Sheki City football club in order to strengthen the regional development model in Azerbaijani football. Within the the visits, the current state of the academies was assessed on site, and extensive and structured discussions were held with the management and coaching staffs.
An attempt was made to identify specific mechanisms for the potential of League I clubs to play a significant role in the development of regional football. Despite the current difficulties, these clubs are of strategic importance in terms of identifying and shaping local talents.
The following structural features were observed during the visits:
• Some clubs have infrastructure, but a long-term development vision and phased planning mechanisms are not sufficiently established.
• While other clubs have a clear development vision, the logistical base and organizational resources do not allow for the full realization of that vision.
Discussions between the clubs focused on specific issues and mutual agreement was reached on the next steps.
The agreed areas include:
• Conducting a needs analysis based on specific data collected with FC Shimal and preparing a structured development plan based on it;
• Forming an institutional model and systematizing management mechanisms for the phased establishment of the academy under the leadership of FC Mingachevir;
• Providing methodological and structural support mechanisms for the academy restructuring process planned by FC Zagatala;
Note that visits to other clubs of League I will also be organized within the Academy Development Needs Analysis and Support process.
