Lebanon’s firstfootball academysince 2004
Built from twenty kids and one idea. Twenty two seasons later BFA trains more than two thousand players across Lebanon, fields its own clubs in the Lebanese leagues, and sends players to the national teams and to Europe.
Twenty two
seasons
Founded in Beirut
Ziad Saade, a former Racing Club player, starts Lebanon’s first football academy with twenty children and one idea.
La Masia
The only Lebanese team hosted by FC Barcelona at La Masia, training at the Ciutat Esportiva and playing their youth sides.
AEK Larnaca
Agreement signed in Larnaca: a pathway for BFA players to Cyprus and into European football.
Gothia third place
The 2013 Elite team finishes third in Class A at the Gothia Cup, beating Germany in the quarter finals.
Champions abroad
Gothia Cup Class B, Madrid Easter Cup, Ayia Napa, the Arab Elite Cup in Dubai. Furn el Chebbek named Best Academy Branch in Lebanon.
One Star, one app
AFC One Star Academy. BFA Women represent Lebanon at the WAFF Club Championship. The BFA app launches. Sahel Alma opens. Al Sultan Yacoub Club becomes BFA’s first affiliate.
Champions for life
We started with twenty kids and one idea: that a child who learns to play well, to work and to respect the game will carry that for life. Twenty two seasons later that is still the whole job. Every branch, every coach, every session.
Core values
Passion
Inspiring a deep love for football in every player, fuelling dedication and joy in every session.
Discipline
Striving for the highest standards in everything we do, on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Progress
Continuous improvement, so every player reaches their potential one step at a time.
Accreditation and affiliations
AFC One Star Academy
Officially accredited by the Asian Football Confederation under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme: structured coaching, a clear methodology, player welfare and a long-term vision.
Paris Saint Germain
PSG Academy training methodology and coach education across all branches.
Manresa, Barcelona
Collaboration aligning BFA training with the Barcelona school of play.
AEK Larnaca
A pathway for BFA players to advance with AEK Larnaca, and from there into Europe.
FC Barcelona, La Masia
Hosted at La Masia, training at the Ciutat Esportiva and playing FC Barcelona youth sides. The only Lebanese academy to do so.
France Football
BFA’s story of excellence and resilience featured in one of the world’s most prestigious football publications.
Academy leadership
Ziad Saade
PresidentThe visionary behind Beirut Football Academy, who has spent decades on youth football development.
Fabio Saade
General ManagerOversees the academy’s strategic growth and keeps its mission at the forefront.
Elie Haber
Academy DirectorLeads day-to-day operations and coaching standards across all branches.
Head coaches
Ramy El Ladki
Academy Head, Second Division
Samer Barbary
Women’s TD & Head Coach
Joseph Dagher
Head Coach
Anthony Mattar
Head Coach
Majd El Masry
Head CoachRay El Chaar
Head CoachAnthony Saade
Head CoachNeyif Harb
Head CoachHassan El Anan
Head CoachWe are in good company
Join the
season
Nine branches across Lebanon, boys and girls from age four. Tell us your child’s year of birth and the nearest branch, and our team will get back to you.
Join the season