Mahd Academy Opens Football Tryouts in 16 Cities

A nationwide search for young football talent is set to begin, with tryouts running from September to December 2026 across 16 Saudi cities. The program targets boys born between 2013 and 2017 — roughly ages nine to 13 during the tryout period.

The 16 host cities are Abha, Makkah, Tabuk, Jazan, Hail, Qassim, Hafar Al-Batin, Al-Baha, Madinah, Arar, Yanbu, Najran, Sakaka, Wadi Al-Dawasir, Taif and Al-Kharj. Trials will be held at local football fields and sports facilities in each city, coordinated with regional education and sports entities as part of a nationwide talent discovery network.

How to register

Registration and nomination are handled online through the official tryouts portal at mahd.gov.sa/try-outs. This is the primary channel; the process does not use government e-services platforms such as أبشر, مقيم, ناجز or نفاذ. After registering, participants receive an invitation with a scheduled performance trial, including time and venue details. On-site technical evaluations then assess each candidate's ability and potential, and standout talents are selected for continued development.

Participation is described as a free national initiative, with no published fee, mandatory payment or ticket price for the 2026 football tryouts. Eligibility covers Saudi citizens, children of Saudi mothers, and Saudi-born residents, with football currently open to boys within these categories.

The tryouts form part of a broader Talent Identification pathway aimed at ages eight to 12, linked to later Talent Development stages for ages 12–14 and 14–18, and a Transition track for those over 18. For families with sports-minded children, the initiative offers a structured, no-cost route into organized football development close to home.

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