Saudi Arabia’s U‑20 national team chose the facilities of SIA Academy in Enguera as their official training base to prepare for the prestigious COTIF 2025 International Tournament, held in L’Alcúdia (Valencia) from July 20 to 30. The Saudi youth team opted for a high-performance and private environment in the interior of Valencia to fine-tune every detail before the championship.
Starting July 24, the young Green Falcons stayed, trained, and recovered at SIA Academy, one of the most professional and complete football academies in Europe. The training camp was part of a clear sporting strategy: to compete on equal terms with some of the continent’s best national teams and showcase the development of Saudi youth football in a high-level competitive environment.
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A high-performance center as a temporary home
SIA Academy offers the perfect ecosystem for the preparation of international clubs and national teams. The Saudi U‑20 team had exclusive access to its professional pitches, fully equipped gym, physiotherapy areas, recovery pool, cafeteria with tailored menus, video analysis rooms, and on-site accommodation.
This infrastructure, combined with the peace and quiet of the Valencian countryside, allowed the team to fully focus on tactical and physical preparation, far from any external distractions. The daily routine included morning and evening training sessions, recovery time, and group analysis workshops — all under the supervision of their coaching staff and with logistical support from SIA Academy personnel.
Adaptation, cohesion, and focus
Beyond physical training, the camp in Enguera also served to strengthen team cohesion, which is crucial in short-format tournaments like COTIF. Saudi Arabia followed an intensive training model, with attention to every detail: rest, nutrition, psychological work, and methodology.
One of the main goals of this camp was to replicate European training standards, as many of the opponents in the tournament have players already competing in professional leagues. The Saudi federation especially appreciated the privacy and personalized service at SIA Academy, which allowed them to control all environmental factors without leaving the premises.
A demanding tournament after professional preparation
After a week of intense preparation in Enguera, Saudi Arabia U‑20 moved to L’Alcúdia to face the group stage of COTIF 2025. The group proved challenging from the start: they lost 0-1 in their opener against UD Alboraya, followed by a tight 2-3 loss to Mauritania, and closed their participation with a goalless draw against Venezuela.
Although they didn’t advance to the semifinals, the previous training helped the team show moments of high intensity and defensive organization. While the tournament results were not favorable, the team displayed character and commitment in every match, never losing focus even in the toughest moments.
Valuable experience and long-term vision
For Saudi Arabia, this type of international experience is part of a structured, long-term development plan. Choosing SIA Academy was no coincidence: the facility has hosted international teams, elite clubs, and professional training programs. Its model aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s vision of building more complete players — physically, tactically, and mentally.
The stay also allowed the coaching staff to observe internal dynamics, identify emerging leaders, and build a professional team culture. In a quiet, rural setting far from the spotlight, the team worked under ideal conditions, with total focus on performing at the highest level.
A firm commitment of Saudi Arabia to elite football
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has been investing in youth talent for years, and this training camp at SIA Academy is a clear reflection of that commitment. It wasn’t just a place to train — it was a comprehensive high-performance experience, designed to promote growth and collective improvement.
Although the team didn’t achieve sporting success in this edition of COTIF, the experience gained will serve as a solid foundation for future tournaments. The structure, discipline, and demands of the tournament are all lessons the team takes home. And so is the experience of having worked at one of the most reputable academies in Europe, where football is lived with professional standards from the youth level up.
Saudi Arabia’s U‑20 national team chose SIA Academy in Enguera as their training base for COTIF 2025, showing a clear strategy of aligning with European standards in preparation, structure, and performance. Beyond their tournament results, their stay in Enguera allowed them to grow as a team, refine their game model, and gain a key professional experience for the future of their young prospects.
