Ratu Academy has announced the opening of player registration for its inaugural 2026/27 season, positioning itself as a structured youth development programme for boys aged 7 to 16 in the island community.

The academy’s official inauguration is scheduled for 1 April 2026, with on-field training sessions expected to begin later that month.

At a time when many islands rely on informal coaching or short-term tournaments to nurture young players, Ratu Academy says it intends to introduce a more systemised approach.

The programme will operate across three age categories: Under 8 (Foundation), Under 12 (Development) and Under 16 (Elite).

According to the academy’s leadership, the vision extends beyond technical drills and match preparation.

Ratu Academy is built on what it describes as a dual focus: competitive football training alongside character development. Its curriculum will include mandatory spiritual and moral guidance, with players required to maintain their Five Daily Prayers and attend regular Religious Awareness Sessions.

“Our goal is to build more than just football players; we are building the future leaders of our community,” the President of Ratu Academy said. “By combining technical football skills with a strong foundation of discipline, social responsibility, and religious values, we are providing a healthy and productive environment for our youth to thrive.”

The model reflects a wider conversation within Maldivian grassroots sport about structure, mentorship and values-based coaching.

In many atolls, academies have emerged with a focus on competition alone. Ratu Academy’s organisers believe that long-term development requires consistency both on and off the pitch.

Online registration is now open through the academy’s official portal. The academy has also introduced a sibling discount for families enrolling more than one child, an incentive that may prove significant in smaller island communities where football is often a shared household passion.

Alongside player recruitment, Ratu Academy is seeking corporate backing for its first season. A 2026 Sponsorship Programme has been launched, offering three partnership tiers — Main Sponsor, Co-Sponsor and Partner. Benefits include brand placement on official kits, training ground banners and digital platforms. Local businesses have been invited to request formal sponsorship proposals as part of the initiative.

Based in G.Dh. Madaveli, Ratu Academy says it aims to create a disciplined, professional environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and structured youth engagement. Whether it can translate its philosophy into sustained results on the pitch will become clearer once sessions begin in April.

For now, the academy’s first task is simpler: building its first generation