Age Group Competitions: Competitive Matches, Scoring, and Global Achievements

2025-06-16
14:28:00

Local age group competitions at the youth and junior levels witnessed remarkable development during the 2024-2025 sports season, following an increase in the number of matches in the various divisions of the local leagues (Premier League, First Division, and Second Division).

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) aimed to increase the number of matches for the age groups to ensure players participate in as many matches as possible. This is part of its strategy to hone the skills and experience of players and prepare a new generation capable of representing national teams regionally, continentally, and internationally.

The SAFF's efforts in this regard have yielded tangible achievements for the youth teams, as the national under-20 team qualified for the 2025 World Cup Finals, following its Asian achievement of reaching the continental final.

The national under-17 team followed in its footsteps, qualifying for the Asian final and then for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 for the first time since 1989.

This is the first time in the history of Saudi football that both the youth and junior teams have qualified for the World Cup finals in the same year, confirming the success of the Saudi Football Federation's strategy, which is on the right track toward a bright future for Saudi football.

Many figures reflect the extent of the development witnessed in the youth competitions during the 2024-2025 season. Most youth and junior leagues saw the participation of 18 teams, with an average of 306 matches played in each competition, while the number of goals scored in each competition ranged from 878 to 1,023.

The number of matches in each competition provided ample opportunities for many players to participate. The Under-18 Premier League saw the participation of 724 players, while the Under-17 Premier League saw the participation of 785 players, the Under-16 Premier League saw the participation of 631 players, and the Under-15 Premier League saw the participation of 632 players.

The large number of matches in the age group competitions contributed to the discovery of many talented "goal scorers," who gained experience and honed their skills through frequent contact. Under-17 national team player Abdulrahman Sufiani set a record for goals in the Under-17 Premier League, scoring 45 goals with his team, Mahd Academy.

Al-Ahli player Adnan Al-Bishri was crowned the top scorer in the Under-18 Premier League with 26 goals, while Yousef Al-Salem of Al-Taawoun won the top scorer title in the Under-16 Premier League with 28 goals, and Fares Bushqra of Al-Fateh finished as the top scorer in the Under-15 Premier League with 37 goals.

These statistics, and others from the youth competitions, bode well for a brighter future for Saudi football talent, especially in light of the upcoming continental and international competitions awaiting the national teams.

These events will provide excellent preparation for a new generation of players who will lead Saudi football in the future.