Saudi Sports Forum Urges School-University Ties

Saudi sports figures gathered at a forum in Jeddah to call for closer cooperation between families, schools, universities, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sport in order to identify and develop young Saudi athletes at an early stage.

Speakers at the forum urged making better use of existing school and university facilities for sports participation and talent development, arguing that educational campuses can play a central role in building the next generation of athletes.

In parallel, the Saudi Sports for All Federation signed a memorandum of understanding with King Abdulaziz University to expand student sports programs, events and physical-activity initiatives. The agreement covers the use of the university's sports facilities, logistical support, access to equipment and broader student participation.

The Federation also signed a memorandum with the Arab Open University in Riyadh to activate university facilities, organize community sports events, and support sports research and data cooperation.

Why it matters

Separately, a workshop organized by the Ministry of Investment in Riyadh examined how sports academies could be integrated into schools, looking at operating models, contracts, regulations and investment opportunities.

Taken together, the initiatives point to a growing effort to turn schools and universities into practical hubs for physical activity — giving students, families and local communities across the Kingdom more accessible ways to take part in sport and helping promising young talent reach higher levels of competition.

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