RIYADH: Alinma Bank mentored by Abdulrahman Ahmed enjoyed a double celebration bagging Best Team of the Week d and Best Bowler of the Week awards during the 9th session in the Almarai- FBGR Saturday Bowling League at Universal Bowling Center (UBC).
Alinma Bank with team captain Ahmed at the helm brought down Carry Over 21-18 in a 2-2 match. Ahmed posted an impressive four game series of 990 points on lines of 214, 225, 245 and 226 to claim the individual award. He drew splendid support from Jess Ambon 918, Angelo Train 886, Jerry Barce 842 and Fareed Aquino 822 points.
Carry Over had Bembol Velasco shooting the team-high series of 902 with Celis Viloria on 887, Dennis Gabriel 857, Nap Torres 812 and Lulu Quejada 779 points.
In another 2-2 match Nadec Strokers of Lope Ramirez edged SABB Tenpin wizards of Allan Ofrenoe 19-17. Te duo of Reynald Medina and Jojo Paciano top-scored for the winning team with 895 and 891 respectively getting good support from Jove Marano 781 and Atoi Ramos, while on the loser’s side top scorer was Sammy San Juan 912 followed by Marvin Arocena 872, Victor Edan 855, Ruben Tan 816 and Arnold Jesena 779 points..
RG512 for Clothes mentored by Yasser Mohamed edged Alfanar Precast of Ricky Bunao 16-15. Lanky Shakur Kamlian topped the scoreboard with 844 followed by Mike Ecalnir 835, Thong Asuncion 806, Rocky Manipon 770 and Noel Marquez 756. Leading scores at Alfanar were Eddie Manzano 912, Ricky Bunao 886 and Rene Orel 853. Allan Estipular added 324 and Rey Enriquez 322.
In another match, the defending champion Eraserheads captained by Armin Isles beat Alsalam Knights of Bandar Al-Marshad 19-10. Joe Garrido led the Eraserheads with 864 points and supported by Fernie Ballano 855, Ernee Noto 842 and Andro Tismo 799 while Jojo Gabriel carded 394 and Armin Isles 361. The scorers at Alsalam were Alfred Valencia 898, Bandar Al-Marshad 773, Rollie Cleofe 760, Efren Abuyo 754 and Jess Vidal 693 points.
Other results: Proshop Strikers captained by Johnny Penecilla beat Sebo Boys of Koko Torres 17-16, Exodus captained by Benny Mondoy defeated Kapit Bisig of Fe Divinagracia 18-16 while sponsor team Almarai Co. downedt Expendibles of Hani Al-Nasleh 15-12.
Team standings after the 9th week: 1. Carry Over 170 pts. 2. Nadec Strokers 157 3. Almarai Co. 156 4. SABB Tenpin Wizards 155 5. Alinma Bank 154 6. Eraserheads 153 7. RG512 for Clothes 153 8. Expendibles 145 9. Proshop Strikers 143 10. Alsalam Knights 13311. Sebo Boys 126 12. Kapit Bisig 126 13. Exodus 115 14. Alfanar Precast 65
Alinma lands double in Almarai Saturday League
Alinma lands double in Almarai Saturday League
How international academies are shaping Saudi football’s next generation
- Building a unified national footballing philosophy in Saudi Arabia is no simple task
Saudi Arabia’s football transformation has been impossible to ignore since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of 2022. An influx of global stars followed, and with it, unprecedented attention on the Saudi Pro League.
Yet beneath the spotlight, a more pressing question emerged amongst domestic fans: “What is the long-term strategy for developing local players?”
Building a unified national footballing philosophy in Saudi Arabia is no simple task. The sheer size of the Kingdom presents logistical challenges unlike those faced by smaller neighbouring nations, making grassroots development harder to centralize. In this landscape, the work of individual institutions can contribute significantly to the broader football ecosystem.
One such contributor is Juventus Academy Saudi Arabia, an official extension of one of world football’s most historic clubs, operating under the umbrella of Al-Shoaibi Group. Arab News spoke to head of public relations at Juventus Academy, Malak Al-Awami, based in Alkhobar, to understand how the academy fits into the Kingdom’s long-term football vision.
“Saudi Arabia is experiencing a transformational moment under Vision 2030, prioritizing youth development and active lifestyles,” Al-Awami explained. “The academy arrives at a perfect time to contribute to a world-class methodology while helping nurture the next generation of Saudi footballers.”
At Juventus Academy, success is deliberately defined beyond results and trophies.
“We’re not just training players,” Al-Awami said. “We’re shaping future leaders for the Kingdom.”
That philosophy has been reflected in how the academy balances Juventus’ global philosophy with local Saudi culture. While all coaches undergo Juventus’ training standards, cultural understanding remains a priority.
“All of our coaches are guided to respect Saudi values, culture and communication styles,” Al-Awami said. “Technical excellence matters, but the coach’s character is just as important as their certification.”
One of the academy’s defining features has been its inclusivity and cultural awareness. Players can join as young as four years old and continue until the age of 18, with programs open to both boys and girls.
That inclusivity has had a tangible impact. Juventus Academy played a role in the formation of Khobar FC, a women’s team that competed in the inaugural season of the SAFF Women’s Second Division League.
“We even used the same kit style as Juventus, getting approval from the club itself,” revealed Al-Awami.
Operating as an extension of the academy, the team finished just a few points behind established clubs like Al-Nahda and Al-Fateh in their regional group.
Al-Awami noted that the group is also exploring complementary initiatives aimed at elite player development beyond the academy itself. Among them is the planned Superior Striker Project, a specialized program designed to bring international attacking expertise to Saudi Arabia through short-term clinics for youth and professional players.
It is this broader contribution that highlights the growing importance of international academies in Saudi Arabia. Beyond providing structured training, they are helping build communities, instil values and strengthen the foundations of the domestic football pyramid.
When asked about what success would look like for Juventus Academy in 5-10 years, Al-Awami was clear. “It is definitely not about trophies or big contracts,” he said, before adding, “it is the legacy we leave behind. If, in 10 years we see confident young Saudi players competing at elite levels, local coaches growing through our programs, and families trusting football as a tool for personal development, then we will know that we have truly succeeded.”
Juventus Academy Saudi Arabia builds on Al-Shoaibi Group’s original ambition in 2018: to create meaningful football opportunities for families in the Kingdom. Today, that ambition has evolved into a structured pathway contributing to Saudi football future, blending global expertise with local identity to help shape the next generation.
