Real Madrid is expected to open four soccer schools in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq, authorities said Tuesday.

The news was disclosed in a press conference on Tuesday between Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Sports and Youth Kawa Mahmoud, KRG representative to Spain Daban Shadala and representative of Real Madrid Miguel Liton in Erbil.

Real Madrid has signed a contract to open four schools to raise young Kurdish soccer players. The opening of the schools has been seen by officials in Kurdistan Region as a significant project that will greatly raise standards and the level of football in Kurdistan Region.

KRG Sports and Youth Minister Kawa Mahmoud said in the conference that “I believe this si a very important project and will have great impact on sports in Kurdistan Region… it is a good start to raising footballers and training staff in Kurdistan”

“This project will pay off in the coming years, both on a national and international level” Mahmoud said. According to the Minister, the corner stone for the projects is expected to be laid soon.

The schools will be opened in Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, Duhok and Kalar, each with a capacity of holding 100 students.

Part of the contract signed between the KRG and Real Madrid is training of Kurdish referees as well, both in Kurdistan and in Spain as well.

Daban Shadala, KRG representative to Spain said the KRG had also attempted to communicate with Barcelona, as well, to have them open soccer schools and academies in Kurdistan. “But we have not heard from them officially, yet”

“Real Madrid schools are on demand all over the world.. but their response for Kurdistan Region was prompt.” Shadala said.  Real Madrid currently have 62 soccer schools around the world and according to the Real Madrid representative, Miguel Liton, there are bids from 136 countries worldwide for such schools.

Mr Liton said the opening of the schools in Kurdistan will have its own importance for Real Madrid as well, as they will raise players who might play for the club.

Read more about this topic:

REAL MADRID OPENS FOUR SCHOOLS IN KURDISTAN