28.04.2026

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the facilities at the center of the Fergana regional football association and the Neftchi youth football academy.

The Fergana region is widely known for its rich football traditions and talented players.

In particular, the Neftchi football club, founded in 1962, is a six-time champion of the Uzbekistan Super League, a two-time winner of the national Cup, and a Super Cup winner. In 1994, the club reached the CIS Cup final, and in the 1994–1995 season, it won bronze medals in the Asian Champions League.

Systematic work in the region to identify and train talented young football players and develop a pool of qualified coaches continues today.

As a result of measures aimed at developing academies at professional football clubs, the Neftchi youth football academy was founded in 2025.

The academy, which covers more than 4.5 hectares, is designed to train over 150 young athletes. It includes six football pitches of various sizes, as well as a physiotherapy unit equipped with modern medical and rehabilitation equipment.

An indoor football arena with artificial turf and an air-supported dome was built at the academy with an investment of $1.1 million.

To develop football to international standards and identify talented youth, a UEFA instructor and other foreign specialists were invited.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the conditions for players at the academy, spoke with young players, and observed a training session.