The Rossoneri and Colombo Athletic & Football Club join forces to promote the AC Milan Method in Sri Lanka
AC Milan is proud to announce the arrival of the Milan Junior Camp project in Sri Lanka, which will make stops in the cities of Colombo, Galle, and Jaffna at the beginning of next month. This landmark initiative is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and has been made possible through a partnership with the Academy of Colombo Athletic & Football Club. It represents another significant step in the global expansion of the Milan Junior Camp project – following a summer that saw the initiative also start in 23 cities across North America and Europe.
Sports development is key to any society’s progression as it enhances mental and physical health. The program will involve young athletes, both boys and girls, aged between 5 and 17, and will begin on January 31, 2025. The initiative will kick off with a workshop for local coaches and stakeholders, who will receive specialized technical training with the support of the Club’s expertise.
As part of this initiative, three Milan Junior Camps will be held across Sri Lanka, providing young footballers with an unparalleled training experience under certified Rossoneri coaches. The Colombo camp will take place from January 31 to February 5, 2025, followed by Jaffna and Galle. These camps will not only enhance the technical skills of young athletes but also focus on their physical and mental well-being, following a holistic approach based on the AC Milan Method.
Franco Baresi, Honorary Vice President of AC Milan, said:
“This project, born from the collaboration between AC Milan and the Colombo Athletic & Football Club, promotes the passion for football and the expansion of the AC Milan Method in new countries. We are always very proud and excited to offer new opportunities to young aspiring male and female footballers around the world, and with the arrival of the Milan Junior Camp in Sri Lanka, we aim to continue spreading the Rossoneri values globally.”
The modern game is changing and with the growing new interest among the youth in Sri Lanka, this project will provide a new impetus to the culture of the sport by bringing an established heritage from Europe.
Mr. Ajai Vir Singh, President of Colombo Athletic & Football Club, added: “This is the start of a new era of football and sports education in Sri Lanka. AC Milan brings their 125-year heritage and success story in the form of a holistic training structure for our next generation. This will open doors for boys and girls aged 5 to 17 to reach their fullest potential, introducing a systematic approach to sports that covers nutrition, mental health, strength training, and more.”
Colombo Athletic & Football Club was founded with the key objective of bringing a scientific and systematic approach to sports for the next generation of Sri Lanka, focusing on holistic mind and body development beyond just football.
H.E. Damiano Francovigh, Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka and Maldives, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
“We are very excited to see AC Milan, one of the most important and successful Italian football teams, opening Junior Camps in Sri Lanka. This initiative will not only provide a fantastic opportunity for young players to develop their skills but will also strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between Italy and Sri Lanka.”
This project also raises the profile of Sri Lanka from tourism perspective. In the words of Mr Kamal Munasinghe, Area VP Cinnamon City hotels and GM Cinnamon Grand “Cinnamon Grand Colombo is honored to be the official hospitality partner for the AC Milan Junior Camps in Sri Lanka, hosting AC Milan one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. This historic initiative, in partnership with Colombo Athletic and Football Club, creates an invaluable opportunity for young Sri Lankan athletes to train under world-class football professionals.”
“Beyond the immediate impact on youth development, this event sets the foundation for promoting sports tourism in Sri Lanka, a sector with immense potential to boost the country’s tourism industry. For Cinnamon Grand Colombo, a homegrown brand celebrating its 20th anniversary, supporting initiatives that uplift and empower our youth remains a key focus.”
Sports tourism is an interesting opportunity for Sri Lanka specially with the entry of global brand names which then pave the way for transforming the destination image of the country.
“ Having been in the football administration for several decades, I see the entry of AC MILAN to Sri Lanka as a great opportunity to infuse a new life into a somewhat moribund sport” Says Trevor Reckerman, Director, Colombo Athletic and Football Club
“Its first time Sri Lanka getting a authentic football academy, It’s a great opportunity for Sri Lanka football to make use of AC Milan Academy because we’re under AC Milan italy it’s going to help our players future development in football career.” Says Mr Fouzul Hameed, Director, Colombo Athletic and Football Club
Colombo Athletic and Football Club has partnered with like minded brands who share similar values to promote the sport among the next generation of Sri Lanka. Omega Line, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Powertech Cement, Prima, Sozo, Mobil 3M, Fox Jaffna, Norfolk Crescent, Hardtalk.
“Just like a strong foundation is essential for building lasting structures, a solid start in sports shapes future champions. At PowerTech Cement, we believe in strengthening both – the foundations of our nation’s infrastructure and the aspirations of young athletes. We are proud to support this academy in its mission to empower Sri Lanka’s youth through football, fostering discipline, resilience, and teamwork – the same principles that drive us in building a stronger future.” Says Mr Gaurav Mehta, MD, Powertech Cement
“We are very happy to be part of this project where one of the Italian football giants AC Milan comes to Sri Lanka to partner with Colombo Athletic Football club to develop the game among the youngsters. We wish this project huge success and impact.” Says Mr Giorgio Montresor, MD
Prima as a brand has supported in Sri Lanka and with this project “We are excited to partner with globally renowned AC Milan in the rollout of Milan Junior camps in Sri Lanka. As brand that speaks to youth, we believe in creating opportunities for young aspiring footballers. We hope the camps will inspire the next generation to dream big.” Says Sajith Gunaratne, General Manager, Ceylon Agro Industries, Prima Group Sri Lanka
This is start of journey where two organizations are paving a way for new culture of sport to built up this will also help develop the sport at grass root level. The Colombo Athletic and Football Academy trains thrice week in the heart of Colombo and invites sports enthusiasts to experience the game in a new way.
