Juventus Football Academy officially opens in Yerevan

The first branch of Italian club Juventus’ football academy has officially opened in Yerevan. The new complex has begun operating in the Avan district and is part of a major sports project being implemented by Next Gen Sports.

Around $20 million has already been invested in the development of the project’s infrastructure since May 2025. During this period, two modern training bases have been created in the Avan and Kentron districts, while the next stage of the project has also been launched.

The academy complex in Avan includes football pitches with natural and artificial surfaces, an indoor training pitch, a gym, medical examination and rehabilitation areas, as well as an analytical centre equipped with modern technologies.

The infrastructure also provides accommodation for coaches and for academy players who require housing at the complex.

A second branch is expected to open soon in the Kentron district. It will include the Freedom Arena, with a capacity of around 2,000 spectators, which is expected to meet UEFA Category 2 requirements.

A specialised sports medicine clinic and rehabilitation centre, Medicina Dello Sport, is also planned at the same location. It is expected to become the first specialised facility of its kind in Armenia.

Meanwhile, construction of a third academy branch and a new sports district has already begun in Nor Hachn.

The academy’s training process will be based on the methodology of Turin-based Juventus. It was previously announced that around 20 coaches from Europe would be recruited to work with young footballers.

The project will offer both paid and free training. Eligibility for free training will depend on the players’ academic performance and sporting results.

A special programme is also planned for the most promising players. The academy’s best talents are expected to travel to Turin every year, where they will have the opportunity to train at Juventus’ main academy and take part in friendly matches alongside players from the Italian club’s youth system.

The opening of the Juventus academy therefore represents one of the largest football infrastructure projects implemented in Armenia in recent years.