Navid Faridi Interview
Navid Faridi is a professional football coach based in Dubai, UAE, holding an AFC “A” Coaching License with over 11 years of experience developing elite youth players in Iran and the UAE. As the founder of Al Najma Al Zarqaa Football Academy, he has transformed the academy into one of the UAE’s most accomplished youth football institutions. Under his leadership, the academy has achieved multiple championship titles across top-tier youth leagues like DOFA and USL, earning him the prestigious title of Best Youth Football Coach in the UAE – DOFA League 2025. Committed to
technical excellence, mental development, and character building, Navid’s coaching journey continues to inspire the next generation of players and coaches alike.
A Vision beyond Borders
We started the interview by asking, “You had a background with
Esteghlal, one of Iran’s biggest clubs, in the Premier Youth League. What made you decide to start your own international football academy in the UAE?”
Navid Faridi replied, “I began my professional coaching career in Iran, where I had the honor of working with Esteghlal Tehran and Esteghlal Alborz at the youth level. In 2017, I led Esteghlal Alborz’s U19 team to a runner-up finish in the Iran Premier Youth League, missing the
championship only by goal difference. Yet I always carried a bigger vision to create an international academy that develops both technical football skills and strong professional mindsets in young players. Dubai’s multicultural and dynamic environment offered the perfect platform. In 2019, together with my trusted partner Alireza Harirchian, we founded Al Najma Al Zarqaa “The Blue Star” Academy. Our goal was to build footballers aged 6 to 18
who excel not only on the pitch but also in character, mental strength, and discipline.”
Mastering Modern Coaching
The Arab Today: What inspired you to begin coaching and pursue an AFC “A” Coaching License?
Navid Faridi replied, “My passion for coaching began when I realized how modern football training is constantly evolving, with new methods and ideas being updated globally. I knew that to stay current and deliver proper
development to players, I needed to enter official coaching education and learn directly from certified FIFA instructors. I started from the AFC “C” License and step-by-step advanced to the prestigious “A” License, committing myself to continuous improvement every 2–3 years. Along the way, I also completed two specialized courses in football fitness training, which helped me develop a more complete and scientific approach to coaching. Even today, I remain a lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge to better serve my players.
In the area of football fitness, I had the privilege of completing specialized training courses under the guidance of AFC elite instructor Dr. Gholamreza Jahani. I am sincerely grateful to him for opening up a new world of knowledge and understanding in football conditioning. His teachings had a significant impact on my development and coaching philosophy.”
Developing Talent, Earning Respect
The Arab Today: How did you grow the academy into a top-ranking institution within six years?
Navid Faridi replied, “From day one, we followed a clear strategic vision. Our initial focus was on delivering high-quality training and recruiting experienced, ethical coaches. We built a progressive training program across all age groups – from U6 to U18 – aiming to offer not only professional football development but also a friendly, family-like atmosphere within the academy. We utilized performance analysis tools, tracked individual player growth, and maintained strong communication with parents, which helped us gain trust and loyalty from the community. Over time, our teams began winning championships in major UAE youth leagues such as DOFA and USL, which significantly elevated our academy’s reputation. What makes me proud is the long-term development we’ve achieved. For example, players who joined our U10 team six years ago are now among our top performers in the U16 squad. Those who started at U8
have become the core of our current U13 champions. It took time — but we invested that time in nurturing and growing our players. Ultimately, our success has been the result of precise planning, daily commitment, and a deep belief in developing young players — not just as athletes, but as strong and disciplined individuals.”
Strong Minds, Sharp Skills
The Arab Today: Can you describe your development model focusing on technical and mental aspects?
Navid Faridi replied, “At our academy, we implement a blended development model that works simultaneously on both the technical and mental sides of the game. Technically, we start with core fundamentals — ball control, passing, positional awareness, and tactical adaptability before progressing into advanced stages of training. What truly sets us apart,
however, is our strong focus on the player’s mindset. In our daily sessions, we incorporate mental training such as individual goal-setting, focus- building, stress management, and confidence development. For youth players, mental strength is often just more important — if not more than technical skills. We always say: a player with a strong mind will perform under pressure. And that’s exactly what separates champions from ordinary athletes.”
Success Built on Philosophy and Planning
The Arab Today: Your teams have won multiple titles. What are the key factors behind these successes?
Navid Faridi replied, “The first key factor is our unified methodology across all age groups. From U6 to U18, all our teams train under the same footballing philosophy, which ensures consistency as players grow and transition through the academy? They don’t need to adapt to new systems
or coaching styles — and that continuity is crucial for long-term success. Secondly, our training loads and match intensity are carefully managed through advanced planning and performance analysis. This allows our players to reach peak physical condition at the right times. Third, I strongly believe in working with experienced and licensed coaches. I require all my coaches to have at least an AFC “B” License, and I’m proud to have highly qualified professionals like Mr. Reza Enayati — who holds an AFC “A”
License and was the head coach of Iran’s U23 national team last year — now working with us. In addition to our coaching staff, we have invested in strong media and branding support. From team photos to professional video coverage, we work with a dedicated media manager. I’d like to extend special thanks to our talented media director, Abolfazl Amanollah (@photoaman), whose creative work has helped showcase the identity and energy of our academy. Finally, we never treat matches as just competitions. For us, every match is a chance to grow mentally and emotionally. Our players are taught to learn from every game — even from losses. This mindset has helped shape not just winning teams, but resilient, intelligent athletes.”
Winning with Unity
The Arab Today: “How did you achieve the DOFA League’s Best Youth Coach award in 2025?”
Navid Faridi replied, “Although I was the one who received the award, I could never have earned this honor alone. It was truly the result of collective effort — from our dedicated coaching staff and committed players, all of whom stood united with one goal. I must also give special thanks to my close friend and brother, Alireza Harirchian, who has
supported me every step of the way. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time we achieved such a milestone. Back in 2023, both our U16 and U18 teams became league champions in the same season — a rare and proud accomplishment. Each year, we continue to grow — not only in terms of
results, but in the development and maturity of our players. And through it all, I’ve stayed loyal to my core coaching philosophy over the past six years. I haven’t changed it — instead, I’ve worked to refine and strengthen it, season after season.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Vision
The Arab Today: “What role does partnership with Alireza Harirchian play in your academy’s success?”
Navid Faridi replied, “Alireza Harirchian is not just a colleague — he’s like a brother to me. From day one, we built this academy together with a shared vision: to develop young players who are strong technically, mentally, and ethically. While I focus more on designing training sessions, coaching, and technical development, Alireza excels in executive management, organizational planning, and communication with families and official entities. This division of responsibilities has given our academy a well- structured and professional foundation. More importantly, we always work as a team. There’s constant consultation and mutual respect in every major decision. That sense of unity has been one of the key pillars of our long- term success.”
Progressive Training Pathway
The Arab Today: How do you adapt training for broader age groups from U6 to U18?
Navid Faridi replied, “We design specific training programs tailored to each age group’s physical development, comprehension level, and individual needs. For U6 to U10, the focus is on making football fun while building fundamental motor skills, coordination, and a love for the game through
playful, structured activities. From U11 to U14, we gradually introduce basic tactical concepts, team structure, and decision-making in game situations. Starting from age 16, training becomes more specialized. Players are expected to understand true teamwork and apply structured tactical systems under competitive pressure. By age 18, we aim to complete their tactical development so they are fully prepared — technically, mentally, and tactically — to enter professional environments. This gradual, structured progression allows our players to be ready for the next stage at every level of their journey.”
Shaping Role Models
What are your next goals for the academy and your coaching career?”
Navid Faridi replied, “My primary goal has always been to develop players with a deep understanding of the game — not just to win matches, but to truly think football. I want to shape athletes who can make smart decisions under pressure and carry a mature mindset on and off the pitch. From a
young age, I focus not only on their technical skills, but also on building character, discipline, and social awareness. I believe a successful footballer should be a role model — both in the game and in society. For the academy, we aim to enhance our professional structure, offer scholarships for underprivileged talent, and build a stronger bridge to professional clubs in the UAE and the region. On a personal level, I am working on publishing my coaching methodology to share my experiences and hopefully contribute to the growth of other youth coaches around the world.”
Focus on Player Development
The Arab Today: “What advice would you give aspiring youth football coaches?”
Navid Faridi replied, “My most important advice is: don’t fall into the trap of chasing results too early. Youth football is not about winning trophies — it’s about building players. Coaches should focus not only on teaching technique and tactics, but also on developing the mindset, confidence, and character of each player. Young athletes need to learn how to think, how to make decisions, and how to handle pressure or setbacks. The relationship between a coach and a player goes far beyond physical training. When trust and motivation are established, results will follow — but first, the coach must be a mentor and a builder of people.”
The Foundation of My Success
The Arab Today: “Behind every successful coach, there is often a strong support system. What role has your family, especially your wife, played in your journey?”
Navid Faridi replied, “My journey as a coach has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and long hours away from home. Throughout it all, my wife has been my constant source of strength and understanding. As a
dedicated doctor with over a decade of experience, she not only serves her community and patients with compassion and professionalism, but also brings that same care and support into our home. Her ability to balance her demanding career with unwavering support for me is truly admirable. She has stood by me through every difficulty—offering patience, encouragement, and belief in my vision. I truly believe that without her by my side, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today. She’s not just my partner in life, but the quiet hero who uplifts me every day.”
A Tribute to My Teachers
Lastly we asked, “Finally, is there anything you’d like to add at the end of this interview?”
“Yes. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout my coaching journey — especially the instructors and mentors from the AFC coaching courses who shared their valuable knowledge with me. I sincerely wish them all continued success and good health. Every person who taught me even a single sentence has a permanent place in my heart.” Navid Faridi concluded
Connect with Navid Faridi on Instagram & Linkedin
Visit Navid Faridi’s personal website & Academy Website to learn more
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