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Aldenham School Riyadh runs the Aldenham Football Academy on its campus in As Sahafah, north Riyadh, for children aged 4 to 13. Its 2026/27 programme runs in 12-week terms, with one-hour sessions grouped by age and led by an academy lead holding a UEFA B licence.[1]
The football tradition behind it is a long one: Aldenham School in England describes itself as the earliest organised football club in the game, in 1825, and its teams have won 3 ISFA National Cup titles and 10 Hertfordshire County Cup titles.[1]
The Football Academy at a glance
- Ages
- 4 to 13, in three age groups: 4–6, 7–9 and 10–13[1]
- Term 1
- 12 weeks, 13 September to 12 December 2026[1]
- Sessions
- One hour, on weekday afternoons and Saturdays, by age group[1]
- Packages
- 1, 2 or 3 sessions a week: SAR 1,440, 2,592 (10% off) or 3,672 (15% off, kit free), before VAT[1]
- Siblings
- A further 5% discount for siblings[2]
- Group sizes
- Limited in each training group to keep an appropriate player-to-coach ratio[2]
- Individual coaching
- Saturday mornings by appointment, up to three children[1]
- Academy lead
- Simone Canepa: UEFA B Licence, Master's degree in Sport Sciences, 15+ years in youth development[1]
- Venue
- Aldenham School Riyadh, Al Noura, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321[1]
- Heritage
- Aldenham School, England: football since 1825; 3 ISFA National Cup and 10 Hertfordshire County Cup titles[1]
The school that helped shape football
Aldenham helped shape the early history of football, and it was built from the start on a belief in all-round development, long before that became common educational language. The Academy continues both traditions in Riyadh.[3]
Football here is about more than football: teamwork, confidence, discipline and resilience, the character that carries children through whatever comes next. Academic and all-round, This and That, not This or That.[3][1]
How the Academy coaches
Every session is planned around the age and development level of the players, in an environment where children can learn, compete and express themselves. The programme is built on six strands:[1]
1. Technique
Ball mastery, passing, receiving and first touch.[1]
2. Game understanding
Small-sided games, decision-making and age-appropriate tactics.[1]
3. Physical development
Coordination, agility and football-specific movement.[1]
4. 1v1 and finishing
Dribbling, duels, shooting and composure in front of goal.[1]
5. Teamwork
Communication, sportsmanship and respect for the game.[1]
6. Confidence
Discipline and enjoyment of football, at each child's own pace.[1]
A football pathway, not just a weekly session
Following positive participation in football at Aldenham School Riyadh the previous year, the Academy is the next step: a clear and progressive football pathway combining technical development, game understanding, physical development and, above all, enjoyment of the game.[2]
The Academy runs throughout the school year with regular weekly training, and families choose the option that suits their child, from individual sessions to longer-term Academy packages. Additional training slots may be opened during the term according to demand, so families are asked to give their preferred days and times when they register.[2]
Weekly timetable by age group
Ages 4–6: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 3.00–4.00pm.[1]
Ages 7–9: Tuesday and Wednesday 4.00–5.00pm, Thursday 3.00–4.00pm, Saturday 4.00–5.00pm.[1]
Ages 10–13: Sunday, Monday and Thursday 4.00–5.00pm, Saturday 5.00–6.00pm.[1]
When you register, your child's date of birth shows only the sessions for their age group, and only sessions with places available can be chosen.[1]
Matches, tournaments and Academy events
Beyond weekly training, the Academy plans to introduce, progressively through the season:[2]
1. Friendly matches
Against other schools and football academies.[2]
2. Internal competitions
Academy matches and competitions, and Saturday match activities.[2]
3. Festivals and tournaments
Football festivals, special events and tournament participation.[2]
4. Player development
Player assessment and development opportunities.[2]
Who leads the Academy
Simone Canepa, Academy Lead, is a football coach and P.E. teacher at Aldenham Riyadh with more than fifteen years in youth development, specialising in technical training and player growth. He holds a UEFA B Licence and a Master's degree in Sport Sciences, and has previously coached at Juventus Academy Riyadh and AC Milan Academy Kuwait.[1]
Those roles are Simone's own professional background: the Aldenham Football Academy is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by any club named here.[1]
A football heritage that began in 1825
Aldenham School in England, founded in 1597, describes itself as the earliest organised football club in the game, dating from 1825. Its teams have added silverware for 8 consecutive years and won 3 ISFA National Cup titles and 10 Hertfordshire County Cup titles.[1][4]
Aldenham School Riyadh is an owner-operated branch of Aldenham School in England, and the Academy brings that football tradition to its campus in north Riyadh.[4][1]
Frequently asked questions about the Football Academy
What ages does the Aldenham Football Academy take?
Children aged 4 to 13, coached in three age groups: 4–6, 7–9 and 10–13.[1]
How much does it cost?
For a 12-week term: SAR 1,440 for one session a week (SAR 120 a session, reduced from SAR 150), SAR 2,592 for two (10% off) and SAR 3,672 for three (15% off, with the football kit included), before VAT. For one or two sessions a week, the kit is a one-time purchase. Siblings receive a further 5% discount.[1][2]
Is there one-to-one coaching?
Yes. Saturday morning individual or small-group coaching for up to three children is available by appointment, focused on technique, finishing, first touch, 1v1 ability and position-specific work.[1]
Where are sessions held?
On the Aldenham School Riyadh campus, Al Noura, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321, in north Riyadh.[1]
How do I register?
Register each child online on the Academy page and complete payment at secure checkout; a place is confirmed once registration and payment are complete, subject to availability. Places in each training group may be limited to keep an appropriate player-to-coach ratio.[1][2]
Does the Academy play matches?
The Academy plans to introduce friendly matches against other schools and football academies, internal competitions, festivals and tournaments progressively through the season. Some external events may involve additional costs, which are always communicated in advance.[2]
Register
Register online on the Aldenham Football Academy page, or email FBA@aldenhamprepriyadh.com with any questions.[1]
Sources
- Aldenham Football Academy, Football Programme 2026/27, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)
- Aldenham Football Academy, Football Programme 2026/27: letter to parents from the Academy Lead (2026)
- Aldenham School Riyadh Prospectus, Aldenham Education Group (2026)
- About Aldenham Prep School Riyadh, aldenhamprepriyadh.com (accessed October 2026)