Navid Faridi Emerges as Uncontested Youth Coach Champion in DOFA 2025 Awards UAE
## Navid Faridi: A Rising Star in UAE Youth Football
Navid Faridi, an Iranian coach, has been making waves in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) football scene, particularly in youth development. As the Head Coach and Director of Al Najma Al Zarqaa (Blue Star), one of the most successful youth academies in Dubai, Faridi has led the team to numerous victories and accolades[1].
In 2025, Faridi was awarded the coveted title of "Best Youth Coach of the Year" by the DOFA (Dubai Olympic Football Academy) League, an honour endorsed by both the UAE Sports Council and the UAE Football Federation[2]. This recognition came following a series of impressive achievements, including Al Najma Al Zarqaa's sweep of all major youth titles across multiple age categories - U10, U13, and U16[1].
Faridi's coaching successes extend beyond the UAE. In 2017, he finished as Vice Champion of the Iran U19 Premier League with Esteghlal Alborz, demonstrating his ability to excel in various footballing environments[3]. Prior to his tenure at Al Najma Al Zarqaa, Faridi also coached in some of Iran's top clubs, including Esteghlal Tehran, Esteghlal Alborz, and Damash Tehran[4].
During the 2022-2023 seasons, Faridi led his U18 team to the DOFA League championship, and his U16 squad secured another championship title in 2023[5]. These victories underscore Faridi's commitment to developing young talent and his strategic approach to coaching.
While specific future plans for Al Najma Al Zarqaa are not publicly available, Faridi's role as both Head Coach and Director suggests a continued focus on maintaining and enhancing the academy's reputation as one of the UAE's most successful youth football programs[1]. His recent accolades indicate a commitment to excellence in coaching and player development, likely driving initiatives to attract top young talents, implement advanced training methodologies, and compete for further honours in youth football competitions across the region.
Faridi holds the prestigious AFC A License and maintains a personal website, Acazebsite[6]. He is also active on Instagram, providing insights into his coaching philosophy and strategies[7]. As Faridi continues to make his mark in the UAE football scene, his vision is expected to align with broader goals of elevating the standard of youth football, fostering a culture of professionalism, and contributing to the nation's footballing future.
References: [1] Al Najma Al Zarqaa (Blue Star) Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.alnajmafc.com/ [2] DOFA League Committee. (2025). Press Release: Navid Faridi named Best Youth Coach of the Year 2025. Retrieved from https://dofaleague.com/news/navid-faridi-named-best-youth-coach-of-the-year-2025 [3] Esteghlal Alborz. (n.d.). Navid Faridi. Retrieved from https://www.esteghlalalborz.com/en/team/coaches/navid-faridi [4] IranProLeague. (n.d.). Navid Faridi. Retrieved from https://www.iranproleague.com/en/team/coaches/navid-faridi [5] Al Najma Al Zarqaa (Blue Star) Academy. (n.d.). Achievements. Retrieved from https://www.alnajmafc.com/achievements [6] Acazebsite. (n.d.). Navid Faridi. Retrieved from https://www.acazebsite.com/navid-faridi [7] Navid Faridi. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/navidfaridi/
Navid Faridi's accomplishments have made a significant impact on the UAE football scene, particularly in youth development. As a result, he continues to express his coaching philosophy and strategies on his personal website and Instagram, focusing on developing young talents and competing for further honors in sports, especially football.
