September 3 – AC Milan have expanded their academy initiatives in Africa with the launch of an AC Milan Academy Pro in Africa in the Ivory Coast. Based in the city of Dimbokro, the new centre has been created in partnership with Detect Pro Fund.
The Academy will operate under the Milan Method, the official framework that has shaped generations of Rossoneri players. Detect Pro Fund established in 2022 by Africa Capital Markets Corporation will provide the infrastructure and local expertise to support the project.
The initiative is built around three guiding principles, excellence, social impact, and sustainable performance. Milan coaches will develop local staff to mould both male and female players with the goal of increasing technical growth, tactical awareness, and life skills.
The partnership was unveiled at Casa Milan, the headquarters of the football club with Chief Commercial Officer Maikel Oettle representing the Rossoneri alongside officials from Ivory Coast. Oettle said: “This project represents an important step in our commitment to supporting the growth of talent on an international scale, providing young footballers with an environment of excellence where they can fully express their potential. At the same time, we want to accompany them on their personal development journey, instilling in them the universal values of football.”
Mike Coffi, founder of Detect Pro Fund, outlined the long-term vision, “This collaboration with AC Milan makes real our ambition to create an ecosystem capable of guiding young African talents along their development path, both on and off the pitch.”
Earlier this year, the Rossoneri launched a similar partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo, linking football with socio-economic development.
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