Manama: The General Sports Authority (GSA) and Bin Hejres Real Estate Development and Investment have signed an agreement to implement the "Malaeb Al Fareej" initiative, aimed at establishing neighbourhood football pitches across Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the agreement was signed in the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC). Also attending were Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice Chairman of the GSA, and Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the BOC. Dr. Abdulrahman Askar, Chief Executive Officer, signed the agreement on behalf of the GSA, while Aaref Hejres, Chairman of Bin Hejres Real Estate Development and Investment, represented the company.
The "Malaeb Al Fareej" initiative is designed to develop and equip football pitches within residential neighbourhoods, providing accessible community sports spaces to encourage wider participation, particularly among youth. HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad stated that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to expand sports infrastructure at the community level and promote sports as part of daily life, supporting national initiatives aimed at youth development and community engagement.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad further explained that the presence of sports facilities within neighbourhoods plays a role in engaging youth, fostering social cohesion, and creating an environment that supports public health and quality of life. He also emphasized that the partnership with the private sector is crucial for the successful implementation of national initiatives and enhances the opportunities to identify and nurture sporting talent, integrating it into clubs and national teams.