Goal Programme - Oman Football Association - 2003

The Sultanate of Oman is passionate about football and has a noteworthy track record at youth level. They have won the Asian U-17 Championship twice (in 1996 and 2000) and qualified for the final round of the FIFA U-17 World Championship three times (Ecuador in 1995, Egypt in 1997 and Trinidad & Tobago in 2001). In Ecuador, they even reached the semi-finals. The national association has opened 25 academies using funds from the Financial Assistance Programme. The best of these institutions took part in the first and second Asian Festivals in Iran in 2002 and Oman in 2003. Ali Habsi is currently Oman's best known player. He plays for Bolton Wanderers (England).

The Goal Bureau was able to successfully deliver on one of the first requests that it received in May 2003, when it approved an artificial turf pitch for the Oman Football Association. At the time of the request, the association had envisaged having a technical centre and association headquarters under the same roof. However, the situation changed over the intervening period and the association's plans were consolidated in a satisfactory manner. By June 2009, the association wished for no more than an artificial pitch to guarantee all-year-round training conditions that will benefit young players in particular.