Doha, Qatar: More than 2,000 people attended the opening day and the two second days of the Aspire Academy Fan Zone, launched as part of the festivities surrounding the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

The Aspire Academy Fan Zone, based in Aspire Park, was officially opened by the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 mascot Boma, alongside legendary coach Bora Milutinovic, the man who inspired the tournament's owl symbol.

The Serbian coach is not only the only man in history to lead five different national teams at five consecutive FIFA World Cups; he has also played a significant role in Qatar's football development and continues to serve in an advisory role at Aspire Academy.

That legacy as a talent scout and mentor is reflected in Boma's character, a wise desert owl always on the lookout for emerging talent. The Aspire Academy Fan Zone will be open daily from 4pm until 10pm until the day of the Under-17 World Cup final on 27 November.

The area will offer a fun and interactive experience for all and a chance to win prizes.

Visitors will be able to put their footballing skills to the test across six exciting challenges designed to measure their power, accuracy, agility, and jumping ability-and win prizes.

• Peace, security cornerstones of Qatari policies: Speaker
• NHRC establishes four new specialised units to empower priority groups
• QatarGP 360° Experience – Official Formula1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 TV Promo Launch takes place at Souq Waqif

Aspire Academy's Acting Marketing and Communication Director, Muneera Mohammed Hammam, said it was important for the Academy to mark such a landmark event.

“This FIFA Under-17 World Cup is a moment of history for Aspire Academy, as we are hosting 103 of the 104 matches at the finals,” she said.

“This is the first time a single venue like ours has hosted an entire World Cup football tournament. We are proud that all the matches are being played on Aspire Academy pitches, except November 27th's final, which will be held at the neighbouring Khalifa International Stadium. Not only are we hosting this newly expanded event, but we are incredibly proud and excited that the entire Qatar squad for the tournament have been trained at Aspire Academy. Eleven of the players are current student-athletes at the Academy, another six graduated in June, and four more are Aspire Academy-trained players. We want everyone coming to watch the matches to enjoy their time at Aspire Academy watching the tournament, and we want them to have some fun as they test their own footballing skills.

“This Fan Zone promises to be fun for fans of all ages and offers them the chance to walk away with a prize if they can successfully complete all the challenges.”

The 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup is the first of five that Qatar will host as the event becomes annual rather than biennial.

MENAFN12112025000063011010ID1110330217