November 13: The CSKA Sofia Youth Academy and the Sofia Medical Association (SLK) have officially launched a joint partnership to support the health and development of the young players of the 31-time Bulgarian champions.
The partnership was announced during a press conference held at the Balgarska Armia Stadium, with Academy Director Boyko Velichkov stressing that the deal is part of a wider series of initiatives to establish CSKA’s youth set-up as Bulgaria’s leading destination for developing young talent.
“I’m a son of CSKA and as such I maybe have a little more personal responsibility for the hundreds of kids who are currently wearing the red shirt,” Velichkov said during the briefing. “Since I joined the club, with the great support of Petar Zanev, we have put in place numerous initiatives to improve processes within the youth academy. Anyone who follows what is happening in the CSKA Academy can see that the results are already showing.”
Velichkov highlighted several ongoing programs within the academy, including academic monitoring in schools and sending youth players on internships abroad, before expressing his gratitude to the medical organization.
“A huge thank you to the Medical Association of Sofia for giving us a hand,” he added. “Our vision for the future is evident in the attitude of the owner and management towards these processes. The leap in the performance of the CSKA Academy is visible. It is not enough yet, of course, but the foundation is ready. Today’s initiative perhaps closes the circle, allowing us to fully take care of our athletes. We are on the best path for the CSKA Academy in Bulgaria.”
Dr. Asen Medzhidiev of the Sofia Medical Association noted that CSKA is the first sports club to sign such an agreement with the association, although he confirmed that the organization is open to similar collaborations with other clubs and federations.
“The goal is to provide preventive care for children, help scouts during the selection process, have a medical presence at training sessions when necessary and perform regular annual preventive check-ups,” explained Dr. Medzhidiev.
“CSKA was the first club to ask for help. We have also held talks with the volleyball and basketball federations, and we have the resources to help other clubs and sports as well,” he concluded.
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