Colombo Athletic sends team for elite training to Milan

The Colombo Athletic FA team to AC Milan elite  camp with coaches and President Ajai Vir Singh

The Colombo Athletic and Football Club Academy, in collaboration with AC Milan, is sending a team along with coaches for elite training to the home of AC Milan in July.

This is part of knowledge sharing and development program that started in November 2024. 

In January 2025, AC Milan had sent a technical team to Sri Lanka to conduct specialist training camps in Colombo, Jaffna and Galle. This was the first introduction of the AC Milan system of football to Sri Lanka. This is part of a long term development plan introduced by Colombo Athletic and Football Club academy in Sri Lanka.

In July’25, 16 players and coaches will be in Milan at the Puma Centre of Football innovation for elite  training. This training program is for International AC Milan academies to further enhance their respective football systems and culture. In 2024, AC Milan celebrated 125 years of success and legacy. It’s one of the most prestigious Football clubs in the world, a global powerhouse of a brand.

Colombo Athletic and Football Club/AC Milan Junior Academy camp Sri Lanka President and Director Ajai Vir Singh said: “Introducing AC Milan system of football to Sri Lanka is a tremendous value addition to the football culture in Sri Lanka. This elite  training is a part of a structured year long program for Sri Lanka. ‘Milan Method’ is a global heritage, a success story and a legacy which we have introduced through our club and academy, Colombo Athletic, hoping for a change and for the next generation of boys and girls to dream big. We focus on age 5 to 17 in developing a generation holistically.” 

This elite  program is a holistic program that focuses on and equips the young players in modern football systems, with special focus on technical aspect, mental make-up, tactical, transitions, nutrition, recovery and GPS. There will be other AC Milan international academies at this elite  program. This will be at the prestigious Puma Centre of Football Excellence in Milan. The Sri Lankan student players will be exposed to high quality modern football systems.

Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh said: “The collaboration between Colombo Athletic and Football Club Academy and AC Milan represents a unique pathway for young footballers in Sri Lanka to pursue their dreams and connect with one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world.” 

“I believe this partnership will bring Italy and Sri Lanka closer together and inspire new generations of male and female athletes through shared passion, cultural exchange, and mutual ambition. Sport, in this sense, becomes a bridge promoting values such as discipline, inclusion, teamwork, and respect. These are the foundations on which lasting relationships are built, both on and off the field. I look forward to seeing the next feats of this inspiring journey,” he added. 

There is an increased interest in the game of football in Sri Lanka and in South Asia, the younger generation is adopting the beautiful game which is a good sign and structure like AC Milan help develop the game in the right way.

Colombo Athletic and Football Club Director Fouzul Hameed said: “It is time our football sees a change and I am confident that the initiatives of Colombo Athletic in collaboration with AC Milan will bring about that shift and new culture.” 

Colombo Athletic and Football Club academy offers 50 scholarships annually for talented footballers so that every deserving individual gets an opportunity to expand their horizon. 

Colombo Athletic and Football Club Academy Director Trevor Reckerman said: “Delighted to see our very first tour to AC Milan. This camp is one of the best in world and your young footballers are going to come back with loads of experience and inspiration that will augur well for the future.” 

In September 2025, AC Milan will be in Sri Lanka for the second time this year to continue this collaboration to the next phase, the camp will be in Sri Lanka and open to all enthusiastic footballers from age 5-17 years. For more details contact Colombo Athletic and Football Club academy.