A significant event took place in Bishkek — a ceremony where the National Football Academy of Kyrgyzstan was awarded the status of FIFA Talent Academy. This achievement was made possible through fruitful cooperation between the Kyrgyz Football Union and the International Federation of Football.
This year, Kyrgyzstan became one of the participating countries in FIFA's pilot program for developing football talents, which initiated a qualitative update of the training methods for young players. The official transfer of status took place on March 24 with the participation of representatives from the KFU, FIFA delegates, as well as academy graduates and their families. The symbolic plaque was presented by Ulf Schott, head of FIFA's High Performance Program, to the first vice-president of the KFU, Nurdin Bukuev. Among the honored guests were legendary footballer and Ballon d'Or winner Hristo Stoichkov and world champion Claudia Sornosa.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also congratulated the country on this historic success. Currently, the National Football Academy of Kyrgyzstan is among 14 institutions worldwide that hold such a status and occupies one of the leading positions in Asia. FIFA has recognized the Kyrgyz academy as one of the most promising among 54 similar centers around the globe.
At present, 87 young footballers are being trained at the academy under the mentorship of both local and foreign specialists. The Kyrgyz Football Union aims to further develop the talent scouting and training system, expand international experience for youth, and enhance coach qualifications within the framework of FIFA's global program.
