The Royal Guard Boxing Association and Bahrain Football Association launched a six-week youth development programme on 20 October 2026. This initiative targets under-13 and under-14 football players in Bahrain. Nezar Yahya, Safeguarding Officer for Bahrain's Youth Football Team, said, "It's very important they try different sports in addition to their favourite sport, football." He added, "This will help improve their stamina and conditioning strength, which will benefit them in their football careers."
The programme is specifically designed to cater to the needs of young athletes, ensuring that the under-13 and under-14 football players receive specialized instruction. By focusing on these age groups, the Royal Guard Boxing Association and Bahrain Football Association aim to integrate new physical challenges into the existing development pathways for these young players.
Training at Football Pitches
Bahrain Football Association pitches serve as the primary venues for the sessions throughout the six-week programme. Training sessions are held at the Bahrain Football Association pitches, providing a familiar environment for the participants to explore boxing-related movements. Tony Davis, Director of Boxing for the Royal Guard under the Bahrain Defence Force, oversees all training activities at these locations.
The curriculum focuses exclusively on non-contact exercises designed to improve athletic performance. The training involves non-contact exercises including punching techniques, shadowboxing, and movement drills. Participants engage in these structured sessions to refine their coordination and physical agility. By practicing these specific movements, the young players can develop a broader range of athletic skills that complement their football training.
Tony Davis, Director of Boxing for the Royal Guard, stated, "If you look at leading football clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid, or even teams in sports such as rugby, they incorporate elements of other sports into their training." He emphasized the parallels between the two disciplines regarding timing and reaction. "On the football pitch, that shot on goal isn't there forever. So you've got to have that sense of urgency, just like in the boxing ring," he said.
Beyond physical conditioning, the instructor identified the psychological impact of the training as a primary goal for the young athletes. The focus remains on creating a positive and engaging environment for all attendees. "That's my objective really, to make sure the kids come away from this smiling," Tony Davis remarked. This commitment to the athletes' well-being ensures that the programme remains a constructive addition to their overall development. By introducing these non-contact methods, the organizers hope to foster a lasting appreciation for diverse athletic training, ensuring that the young football players gain valuable insights into physical discipline and mental focus that will assist them both on and off the pitch.
