This event marked a milestone for Kazakhstani football, confirming that the country’s training methodology meets international standards and placing Kazakhstan within FIFA’s global academies. The new status opens broad opportunities – from regular educational programmes for coaches, scouts and managers to the participation of young players in international tournaments and exchange schemes. For local specialists, it is also a chance to learn directly from some of world football’s leading experts.
The event was attended by KFF Technical Director Gennadiy Skurtul, KFF National Teams Department Director Ruslan Baltiyev, a FIFA delegation led by Technical Director Steven Martins, FIFA talent identification expert and former head of scouting at Arsenal and the England national teams Steve Morrow, TDS expert in Kazakhstan Marian Pahars, as well as QJ League representatives Igor Shpanera and Dmitriy Vasiliev.
A key highlight was the presentation of the “Bolashaq Champions” programme, developed by the KFF as a strategic project for the identification, development and support of talented young footballers. The initiative, due to begin in early 2026, aims to create a systematic foundation for talent development and to raise youth football in Kazakhstan to a new level.
“For us, this is an important step forward. The ‘Bolashaq Champions’ programme will bring talent development in Kazakhstan to a new level. We are grateful to FIFA for its support and confident that together we can create the right conditions for raising the champions of tomorrow,” said KFF Technical Director Gennadiy Skurtul.
The visit concluded with the FIFA delegation attending a match between the KFF Academy’s 2011-born players and their peers from Zhenis. The Academy secured a 5-0 victory, offering a clear demonstration of the high standards of training and the great potential of Kazakhstan’s young footballers.
