In a landmark collaboration that sets the tone for transformational sporting engagement in Africa, African Coaches Connect (ACC) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Athletica FNT Club, one of Casablanca’s foremost sports complexes, as a Major Host Partner for the upcoming African Football Convention scheduled from January 5–9, 2026. The partnership underscores ACC’s commitment to building stronger sporting infrastructure and community engagement across the continent.
Located in the vibrant Sidi Mohamed – Ain Sebaa district of Casablanca, Athletica FNT stands out as a premier sports and wellness destination spread across an expansive venue on Boulevard de Makro, Beausite. The facility offers a comprehensive range of sporting amenities, including high-quality football pitches suitable for futsal, 5-, 7-, and 11-a-side matches, gymnasiums, courts for various sports, fitness zones, aquatic facilities, and lifestyle spaces that cater to both recreational athletes and professionals alike.
Speaking about the partnership, Eldred Sunju-Abbey, President/Founder of African Coaches Connect said: “Athletica FNT has a reputation for fostering community sport, wellness, and large-scale events. Its inclusive approach to sport — blending training, leisure, and competitive opportunities — has established it as a cornerstone of Casablanca’s active lifestyle scene. Meryan Productions.
“FNT represents the kind of high-performance environment Africa needs to support the next phase of football development. Our visit highlighted the depth of their infrastructure, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, and we are pleased to align the African Football Convention with an institution that places development, innovation, and athlete welfare at the center of its work.”
At the helm of Athletica FNT is Youssef Zmez, an inspirational leader and ardent supporter of youth and sports development in Morocco and across Africa. Zmez’s vision for Athletica FNT aligns with ACC’s mission to elevate coaching standards, create enabling environments for athlete development, and promote excellence across all levels of the game. His unwavering support for ACC’s initiatives — from grassroots coaching clinics to continental knowledge exchanges — has been instrumental in solidifying this partnership.
Speaking on the collaboration, Zmez emphasized the importance of sport as a unifying force and expressed Athletica FNT’s pride in hosting Africa’s foremost football leadership event. Under his stewardship, Athletica FNT has not only provided world-class facilities but has actively engaged with local and international partners to support events that matter to the broader sports ecosystem.
ACC’s delegation to the African Football Convention was led by its President– Eldred Sunju-Abbey and the Executive Director of Operations– Adedeji-Ajoje Israel, both of whom have played pivotal roles in shaping the agenda for this year’s convention. Their presence, alongside Zmez and the Athletica FNT team which includes Alaa Zmez and Mr Samir, signals a shared commitment to empowering coaches, developing strategic partnerships, and leveraging sport as a catalyst for community and professional growth.
The African Football Convention 2025, taking place over five dynamic days, promises a rich program of activities:
- Workshop Days 1 & 2(5th and 6th January, 2026)- Workshops on Coaching, Safeguarding, Football Regulations and Innovation in African Football.
- Conference Days 1 & 2(7th and 8th January, 2026) — Thought-leading sessions, panel discussions, and stakeholder engagements focusing on coaching, leadership, and innovation in African football.
- Official Dinner(8th January, 2026) — A night of networking, celebration, and recognition of key contributors to the sport across the continent.
- Football Competition(9th January, 2026) — Hosted right on the meticulously maintained pitches of Athletica FNT, bringing together teams, coaches, and enthusiasts in a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit.
This collaboration with Athletica FNT not only enhances the Convention’s footprint in North Africa but also reinforces ACC’s strategic objective of forging meaningful partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to coaches, players, and the broader football community. With both organizations aligned in vision and purpose, the 2026 African Football Convention is set to be one of the most impactful gatherings in the history of the sport on the continent.
For more information on Athletica FNT’s facilities and offerings, visit their official communications channels or contact their reception on Boulevard de Makro, Ain Sebaa, Casablanca.