Al Ahly has confirmed plans to launch football academies in Canada and the United States, as the Egyptian giants take their first major steps in a global expansion strategy aimed at strengthening the club’s international presence.
In an official statement released on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the Cairo-based club announced a new partnership with Square Seven International to establish multiple branches of the Al Ahly Football Academy across North America.
The move is part of a broader initiative by the club to grow its brand beyond Egyptian and African borders and tap into international markets.
“Al Ahly Football partners with Square Seven International to launch new academy branches in Canada and the United States,” the statement read.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our long-term vision for global engagement and talent development.”
The club revealed that this development is not only aimed at brand growth but is also central to a wider youth development programme.
As part of the initiative, Al Ahly will begin scouting and training young players between the ages of 8 and 12, offering them the opportunity to be coached under the guidance of experienced professionals aligned with the club’s standards.
“This partnership aims to strengthen the club’s international image,” the club stated. “The first wave of trials will include players aged 8 to 12.
Experienced coaches will supervise the sessions. Through this partnership, Al Ahly will expand its academy and enhance its positioning both nationally and internationally.”
A press conference is scheduled to take place in Canada on 7 July, where additional information about the partnership and the academy structure will be shared.
Representatives from Al Ahly and Square Seven International are expected to attend the event, which will formally mark the beginning of the club’s North American venture.
The decision to pursue international academy projects follows Al Ahly’s disappointing early exit from the most recent edition of the FIFA Club World Cup.
While the club remains a dominant force on the African continent, it has openly acknowledged the need to evolve and adapt to the growing demands of global football.
This expansion into North America is seen as a strategic step toward developing future talent and building a more globally recognised identity.
Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most decorated football clubs, has long been associated with excellence on the pitch and is now seeking to mirror that legacy through a structured approach to talent identification and training abroad.
The club hopes the North American academies will serve as incubators for young talent and act as a bridge between future footballers and professional development opportunities both at home and internationally.
The launch of the academies marks the beginning of what Al Ahly envisions as a wider global footprint. With Canada and the United States chosen as the first destinations, the club’s ambitions suggest further international partnerships may follow.
As the July press conference approaches, attention will now turn to how this initiative unfolds and what impact it may have on Al Ahly’s long-term aspirations both on and off the pitch.
🔴 Al Ahly football company partners with Square seven international to launch new academy branches in Canada and the USA 🔴 🦅 pic.twitter.com/PDmiHM3WDA
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) June 29, 2025
