Alkass English
The 11th Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 wrapped up two days of insight and collaboration at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, marking its first-ever edition in the United States.
Organized in partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Philadelphia Union, the Summit gathered more than 400 global football leaders — from coaches and technical directors to educators and decision-makers — to exchange ideas and shape the game’s future.
Day One featured a masterclass by Rafa Benitez, a Star Chat with former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, and sessions led by Columbus Crew’s Wilfried Nancy. Day Two built on that momentum with star appearances from World Cup winners Alessandro Nesta and Carli Lloyd, alongside NFL great Ron Jaworski.
Nesta reflected on leadership and the transition from player to coach, while Lloyd spoke about discipline and preparation as keys to sustained success. Discussions also spotlighted the surge in women’s football, featuring insights from representatives of Italy, Brazil, and the NWSL, followed by practical coaching sessions with Denise Reddy and José Tavares of FC Porto.
Innovation remained a central theme. Experts from MLS, Juventus, and Aspire Academy examined football’s evolving relationship with data and technology. Aspire also unveiled “Blind/Off,” a new e-gym product designed to enhance athletic performance through interactive feedback and mobile accessibility.
Aspire Academy’s Chairman, Ali Salem Afifa, hailed the Summit as a milestone in the Academy’s global journey, emphasizing its mission to advance coaching education, promote collaboration, and bridge theory with practice across the world of sport.