The Arab American University and the Football Association open an Asian coaches course

Jenin - Ofoq News - The President of the Arab American University, Dr. Baraa Asfour, opened the activities of the International Football Coaches Course (AFC C-Coaching Course), organized by the College of Sports Sciences and the Sports Facilities Department at the university, in cooperation with the Palestinian Football Association, and approved by the Asian Football Confederation, with the aim of developing Palestinian training competencies and raising the technical and cognitive level of coaches in accordance with approved international standards.

The course was opened on the university campus in the city of Jenin, in the presence of the Vice President of the University for Academic Affairs, Professor Dr. Hazem Khanfar, the Dean of the College of Sports Sciences, Dr. Uday Daraghmeh, and the Director of Sports Facilities, Professor Osama Al-Saadi, along with the Palestinian Asian lecturers, Dr. Jamal Bishara and Captain Abdel Nasser Barakat, representatives of the Palestinian and Asian Football Federations, and a group of students, graduates, local community members, and former athletes participating in the course.

In his opening speech, Dr. Asfour stressed the importance of organizing this specialized course in partnership with the Palestinian Football Association, noting that its accreditation by the Asian Football Confederation gives it professional value and allows participants to benefit from a training program based on international standards, under the supervision of Palestinian lecturers and trainers who have accredited experience at the international level.

He pointed out that the participation of Palestinian competencies in training their people reflects the ability of the Palestinian person to reach advanced positions in the sports field, and to contribute to building a new generation of qualified coaches, despite the challenges and circumstances that the Palestinian people are experiencing.

Asfour stressed that the Arab American University pays great attention to the sports sector, by investing in infrastructure and providing sports facilities with international standards, including the international football stadium, the international sports hall, and the semi-Olympic swimming pool.

He stressed the university's readiness to host sporting activities and events at the local, regional and international levels, thus enhancing its role in supporting the Palestinian sports movement.

For his part, the Dean of the College of Sports Sciences, Dr. Uday Daraghmeh, expressed his appreciation to the university administration for its continued support for the sports sector, stressing the importance of building effective partnerships with local, regional and international sports institutions, in a way that contributes to developing the capabilities of Palestinian students, graduates, players and coaches.

Daraghmeh explained that the course combines both theoretical and practical aspects, providing participants with an opportunity to acquire the technical knowledge and applied skills necessary to work in the field of training, and strengthening the link between academic programs and the actual needs of the sports sector.

In turn, the Asian lecturer and international coach, Captain Abdel Nasser Barakat, conveyed the greetings of Lieutenant General Jibril Rajoub, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Palestinian Football Association, praising the university’s interest in the sports sector and its facilities that contributed to enhancing its sports presence.

He pointed out that the presence of Palestinian trainers working at the international level reflects the development of national competencies and their ability to overcome challenges and participate in advanced positions.

Barakat explained that the course is accredited by the Asian Football Confederation, and that passing it qualifies graduates to lead teams within the third level, in accordance with the applicable accreditation requirements, praising the efforts of the university, the federation, and all parties that contributed to its organization and success.

For his part, the Director of Sports Facilities at the University, Professor Osama Al-Saadi, stated that the course will last from October 12 to 26, 2026, with an intensive program that combines theoretical and applied training, and aims to develop the training competencies of the students of the College of Sports Sciences, its graduates, coaches and players, and raise the level of their technical and cognitive performance in line with the latest international standards.

Al-Saadi stressed that organizing this course constitutes an important step in strengthening cooperation between the university and the Palestinian Football Association, consolidating the university’s role in serving the sports community, and qualifying Palestinian cadres capable of contributing to the development of football and raising the level of training in Palestine.