The AC Milan Academy Colombo officially launched its inaugural season with the unveiling of its first team jersey at a landmark event held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. More than a ceremonial launch, the event marked the beginning of a bold new chapter in Sri Lanka\u2019s football story\u2014one focused on building a sustainable future for junior football and developing the next generation of professional players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The launch brought together key institutional and corporate partners who share a common vision: empowering Sri Lankan youth through structured, high-quality football training based on international best practices. The Academy introduces the world-renowned AC Milan Methodology to the local sporting ecosystem, combining professional coaching, technical skills development, and character building to support young athletes on and off the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As guests took their seats, the event welcomed the presence of the Academy\u2019s valued partners:
\u2022 Mr. Giorgio Montresor \u2013 Calzedonia
\u2022 Mr. Gaurav Mehta \u2013 Managing Director, Powertech Cement
\u2022 Mr. Kamal Munasinghe \u2013 Area Vice President, Cinnamon City Hotels and General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo
\u2022 Mr. Dipak Das \u2013 Managing Director, Lanka IOC
\u2022 Mr. Sajith Gunaratne \u2013 General Manager, Prima
\u2022 Mr. Dushyantha De Silva \u2013 Managing Director, SOZO Beverages
\u2022 Ms. Shenali \u2013 Representative, 3M\/Mobil
\u2022 Mr. Ajai Vir Singh \u2013 President, Colombo Athletics and Football Club
\u2022 Mr. Fouzul Hameed \u2013 Director, Colombo Athletics and Football Club<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Academy\u2019s objective is clear: to bridge the long-standing gap in grassroots football development in Sri Lanka. By offering structured, age-specific training guided by UEFA-certified coaches and backed by the technical expertise of AC Milan, the Academy provides a professional pathway for children as young as six years old to grow into competitive athletes.
In addition to world-class training, students gain access to holistic development\u2014including discipline, teamwork, leadership, and physical fitness. These foundational pillars not only prepare players for a future in sport but also empower them with life skills vital for any career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative comes at a time when Sri Lankan football has immense potential but lacks consistent, long-term investment in youth development. For decades, young players in Sri Lanka have had limited access to structured programs that could connect them to international opportunities. The AC Milan Academy Colombo addresses this gap head-on, giving local talent a platform to shine, progress, and ultimately represent Sri Lanka on a global stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
International education partner Danica, part of Gruppo Universitario Italiano, lends academic and operational support, reinforcing the Academy\u2019s alignment with European footballing standards.
Lanka IOC, a consistent backer of national sports, expressed its commitment to empowering young athletes and helping uplift the standards of football across the island.
The Colombo Athletics and Football Club, which serves as the driving force behind the Academy, described the launch as a turning point for Sri Lankan youth football and emphasized its role in building long-term capacity within the sport.
Event host Cinnamon Grand Colombo voiced its enthusiasm for initiatives that blend community impact with national pride, especially through avenues like sports tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SOZO Beverages and Prima Group, both long-standing supporters of youth-focused programs, echoed their commitment to nourishing and energizing the next generation of athletes through clean hydration and sports-focused nutrition.
The event\u2019s highlight\u2014the grand reveal of the official AC Milan Academy Colombo jersey\u2014was a powerful symbol of what lies ahead: a future where local talent is nurtured with world-class resources, structure, and vision.
With international standards, committed partners, and a clear developmental roadmap, the AC Milan Academy Colombo is not just launching a program\u2014it is planting the seeds for the future of Sri Lankan football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n