David Nakhid International Football Academy
"Learning Is Winning"
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A Message from the Director April 21, 2012
Dear Parents, Academy Members and DNA Fans,
The second adventure of the David Nakhid International Football Academy at the MIC tournament in Barcelona, can objectively be described as a resounding success in sporting and humanistic terms.
Our Academy left Beirut with 103 players and Fans, all looking enthusiastically forward to meeting the demands of the most competitive youth tournament in Europe. The best of the global footballing world were all there represented by the likes of the Brazil and Korean National teams, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and last but certainly not least, ASPIRE Academy, the eventual winners of 3 categories.
DNA's baptism in last year's edition, alerted us to the standard that we are obliged to achieve if we as an academy are to compete against the best in the world. Whereas in last year's tournament, our young charges were cautious and at times overwhelmed, our players approach this year was one of optimism and confidence that positive results could be obtained because of the hard and consistent work completed over the last year.
Our 2 teams in the E category drew many admirers for their brand of quick passing football and the wonderful goals that they scored. The obvious highlight of their campaign was their defeat of Brazil's Curitiba, a recognized 1st division team with a legion of supporters, who were left shaking their heads at this "Lebanese" team who played the way that Brazil became famous for in running out 5-3 winners. There were numerous plaudits for our 2 teams from the opposing players and fans, as our Under 12's showed that DNA can hold it's own and even surpass world famous clubs and teams.
DNA"s category D team had the best start of any DNA team advancing easily out of the group stage to the Championship round with victories of 3-0 and 7-0, shocking opposing teams with their skillful and accomplished style. Their defeat at the hands of an eventual semi-finalist shows how far the Academy has advanced, with our boys visibly disappointed to go out of the tournament.
Our category C's team had arguably the most difficult category of the entire MIC edition, 64 teams of the highest quality would always be a difficult proposition for any organization, and judging by the level of the 2 finalists, ASPIRE and Inter Milan, our Category C team's advancement to the consolation round and 3 wins were achievement enough.
The advancement of DNA's category B's team to the Championship round where they squared off against 5 time World cup winners Brazil, is undoubtedly the sporting peak until now of DNA's recent history. Our players collective effort and cohesion, truly turned this team around from under-achievers to flag-bearers of the Academy.
DNA's category A team had their best international experience thus far, they completely outplayed all opposition teams in the group stage advancing to the Championship round where their performance against Cesena, the Italian 1st division team, drew rave reviews from Cesena's coaching staff. Our lack of experience in finishing off games is one of the details that is so elusive in football, and certainly a problem faced by many famous teams, but we will correct this with the same diligence and professionalism that we at DNA have corrected past technical and tactical problems. We will strive and push forward towards a level of excellence unprecedented and unseen in this part of the world.
We strongly believe in our philosophy, our students and their families, our excellent coaching staff and Manager. I would like to thank the entire Nakhid family from Greece, Lebanon and Trinidad, The Harb family, The Bain family, The Haidar family, The Bou Orm, Yazbeck, Kemp, Ghaddar,
Dear Nakhid family, Coaches, Players, Families, Friends of DNA,
Greetings from a sunny and warm Washington, DC. My wife Betty
and I returned from Barcelona a week ago, and continue to bask in
the glow of that Spanish experience, and to talk enthusiastically
about the quality of the tournament and the performance of the DNA
teams there.
After my Lebanese visit last summer, I was very excited to meet
the group, and, even happier to be received like a long lost family
member. It was truly wonderful to renew my acquaintance with all the
boys and to see how much they had grown as players in the past six
months. Then, to see them take the field and compete favorably
against top class competition like the Italian club Cesena and the
Brazilian Youth National team, was very impressive. As the Academy
continues to travel in search of competition and a better
appreciation of the international standard, our players and coaches
are already becoming more comfortable in this environment, and know
that they have started to close the gap. As I watched the game
between our B Team and the Brazilian unit, it struck me that several
DNA players were already equal in quality to some of the players in
the yellow shirt.
Of course, there is still lots of work to be done before DNA can
take a place at the podium on the final day, but I feel confident
that many of the building blocks - a clear and positive philosophy,
committed coaches, an environment that encourages fair and skillful
play, passionate players with a new standard for themselves - are
already in place. In the interim, I will continue to monitor the
progress of the Academy and to support your initiatives from afar. I
also look forward to seeing you all in the not too distant future.
Warmest Regards,
Ian
So stay true to our eternal motto "LEARNING IS WINNING" !!!!!!
GOD BLESS !!!!!
David Nakhid
Discipline
Integrity
Ambition
David Nakhid, Founder and Director
Mission and Program
The mission of the David Nakhid International Football Academy is to provide a positive experience to children and youth through a dedicated and professional approach to teaching football. We are committed to assisting all involved youth to become confident individuals and competent players by providing a nurturing environment with dedicated and professional staff, and high standards of coaching excellence.
The former international player of Trinidad and Tobago, David Nakhid, will launch the 2011 - 2012 Season on Saturday, September 3, 2011. The season will run all the way through to June 2012. Please see the School page for more information. Enrollment is now open for the 2011 - 2012 Season.
Our home field is the Al Mabarrah football field in Beirut, Airport Road area. It adheres to the highest international standards.
So join us and let your children learn football in a healthy football environment away from politics, Playstations and Gameboys!
Personal growth, competition, leadership, courage, respect, physical and
mental conditioning are just a few of the benefits you should expect.
For more detailed information about our program this year, please
contact us.