Explore a Multitude of Football Camps at Siyam World This Year!

As part of its ongoing line-up of five-star experiences, Siyam World Maldives kicked off a series of unforgettable spring football camps. The resort will be featuring star players Wayne Bridge, Adrian San Miguel Castillo, Francesco Totti, and Michael Owen.

Siyam World Maldives encouraged guests to let their football skills blossom over a series of football camps. These camps will utilise the resort’s state-of-the-art sports complex and FIFA-sized soccer pitch at The World Sports Arena. Participants enjoyed world-class coaching and immersive experiences designed to enhance their football techniques and passion for the sport.

Spanish Goal-keeper Adrian San Miguel Castillo

The action-packed schedule began with Spanish goalkeeper Adrian San Miguel Castillo. He graced the sandy shores from the 19th to the 23rd of March. Adrian is a key player for Liverpool FC and the Andalusia National team. During his time at the resort, he helped younger guests understand how to deal with pressure and develop key life skills. This also included developing a performance mindset.

Football Camp Experiences with Wayne Bridge

Next on the roster was Wayne Bridge who came to Siyam World from from 22nd to 31st March. He is a renowned English left-back, who returned to Siyam World for a second time already. With his infectious energy and wealth of experience from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, Wayne inspired guests to “tackle” challenges head-on and score big on and off the field.

Francesco Totti Lights up Siyam World Football Camp

Following Wayne’s lead was the legendary Francesco Totti, lighting up Siyam World for a second time as well. He visited from 28th March to 4th April. Totti is known for his flair and loyalty to AS Roma. He brought a touch of Italian passion to the Maldives, teaching participants the art of precision and creativity in football.

Once described by Maradona as “the best player he has ever seen”, the gifted World Cup winner and legendarily loyal one-club player (AS Roma) will be on hand to help holidaymakers hone their football skills and play to their full potential.

Michael Owen Graces the Shores of Siyam World

Closing out the star-studded lineup was Michael Owen. He is the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner, who graced Siyam World from the 1st to the 5th of April. Michael Owen is joining as part of the recently announced partnership with Football Escapes. Michael’s lightning-fast moves and goal-scoring prowess electrified the pitch, inspiring a new generation of football stars. Throughout the action-packed week, participants savoured daily football sessions led by Owen, a team of UEFA-licensed coaches, and internet sensation Eman – popularly known as SV2 from his viral YouTube skills videos.

Dressed in their personalized Rascal training kits, young players aged from five to 15 seized the perfect opportunity to refine all aspects of their game, from tactics to technical skills. To add to the holiday experience, families enjoyed a memorable parents’ match, providing moms and dads with a chance to showcase their skills on the pitch.

Collaboration with Football Escapes – Rip Ferdinand

Later this year, and in collaboration with Football Escapes, Rio Ferdinand will also be hosting a football camp from 28 October to 1 November. He is one of the most decorated English footballers of all time. Ferdinand is famous for being one of the world’s best defenders. He will be bringing the skills he learned whilst playing for West Ham, Manchester United and Leeds United plus the England national team.

At Siyam World, we are undoubtedly a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering exceptional facilities for both water and land sports. My passion for football, which began in childhood collection jerseys of football legends, is embodied in our FIFTA- regulation football field. We host many football aficionados, including owners of prized jerseys and past champions who still share a deep love for the game. Siyam World is where sportsmanship thrives, providing an unparalleled destination for active trave;ers, says Ausy Waseem – Resort Manager at Siyam World.

The incredible resort has had the pleasure of hosting several other esteemed football legends. Italian champion Nicola Ventola graced the resort in January. Additionally, Bobo Vieri and Marco Materazzi also showcased their skills on the pitch. Joining them were players like Juan Sebastián Verón, Esteban Cambiasso, Roberto Pires, Eric Abidal, Carlos Puyol, and Jay Jay Okocha.

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

Explore a Multitude of Football Camps at Siyam World This Year!

Spanish Goal-keeper Adrian San Miguel Castillo

Football Camp Experiences with Wayne Bridge

Francesco Totti Lights up Siyam World Football Camp

Michael Owen Graces the Shores of Siyam World

Collaboration with Football Escapes – Rip Ferdinand

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