OLYMPIACOS FC: Academy Development Program (2026 Edition)
Olympiacos FC presents the 2026 edition of its Academy Development Program. This program serves as a comprehensive roadmap for the holistic development of our young athletes, both on and off the pitch.
CONTENTS – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Objectives and Philosophy of the Academy Development Program: The philosophy of Olympiacos focuses on shaping athletes of strong character and competitive mentality, aligned with the ideals of sports and the Club’s history. The program aims at the systematic and well-structured football development of players, their integration into the competitive identity of the first team — with emphasis on attacking and dominant football — and the continued rise in the number of players progressing to the professional squad and the National Teams. At the same time, it promotes a culture of responsibility, teamwork, and discipline within a safe and healthy environment, while fully supporting the athletes’ academic education and personal development beyond football.
- Academy Structure and Organization: The organizational structure of the Academy is clearly defined, led by the First Team Technical Director and the Head of Academy Development. This structure includes the Academy age-group teams, the Health & Performance Department, and the Academy support staff, ensuring coordination, efficiency, and alignment with the Club’s overall sporting strategy.
- Staff: We employ a highly qualified coaching staff holding UEFA PRO, A, and B licenses, as well as degrees in Physical Education and Sport Science. The Academy is further supported by experienced medical and operational personnel, including doctors, physiotherapists, Team Managers, and equipment managers. All staff members are fully committed to the holistic development and comprehensive support of our athletes.
- Training Facilities: Olympiacos FC’s facilities are modern and fully equipped, featuring multiple pitches (natural grass, hybrid, and artificial turf), a specially designed medical room, an indoor gym with strength and conditioning equipment, as well as fully equipped locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and administrative workspaces. These facilities provide an ideal environment for training, preparation, and daily operations.
- Financial Resources: To ensure smooth operations and continuous development of the Academy, the Club prepares and reviews on an annual basis a detailed income and expenditure budget, securing the necessary financial resources for the effective implementation of the program.
- Educational Program: The comprehensive training curriculum of the Academy focuses on developing players across four key pillars: technical ability, tactical understanding, physical performance, and mental and psychological development. The program is tailored to each age group, ensuring appropriate progression and long-term development.
- Educational Initiatives: The Club regularly and systematically organizes seminars in cooperation with the Super League and the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF). These seminars aim to inform and educate players and coaching staff on critical topics such as the Rules of the Game, Anti-Doping regulations, Match Integrity (prevention of match manipulation), and the Fight Against Racism, promoting respect, integrity, and fair play at all levels.
- Medical Support: Comprehensive medical coverage is provided to our athletes through our partnership with the Athens Medical Center. This includes cardiological screenings (Triplex), chest X-rays, blood tests, as well as scheduled performance assessments measuring VO₂ max, body composition, lower-limb power, jumping ability, and flexibility.
- Target Achievement Evaluation Process: The Head of the Academy is responsible for the annual evaluation of the program. This evaluation includes the assessment of administrative and technical staff, budget compliance, data analysis, fulfillment of set standards, player development and potential promotion, as well as the recruitment of new talents. The objective is to ensure continuous improvement, accountability, and strategic adaptation of the Academy’s operations.
- Duration of the Academy Development Program: This document constitutes the executive summary of the Approved Academy Development Program of Olympiacos FC.
The program will remain in effect until January 31, 2028.