#development

World Academy of Sport (WAoS) and United World Wrestling Announce Partnership for ’22 Programmes

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (November 23) -- United World Wrestling has announced a scholarship programme that will provide its member nations with greater opportunities for people in the sports industry to build on existing expertise or qualifications.

The scholarships are being offered in partnership with the World Academy of Sport (WAoS), a leader in developing specialist education programmes in the sports industry.

The partnership will provide immediate opportunities for member federations with one fully-funded scholarship and 5, 25% scholarships available for the WAoS/University of London Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in International Sports Management. 

The online course can be completed over a period of up to five years, recognizing that industry professionals require varying levels of learning at different stages in their careers as many have limited time available. Additionally, the programme recognizes the importance of combining local context with an international overlay is increasingly more important in all aspects of sports management. Currently, there are over 100 students taking the course, representing more than 20 sports and 60 nationalities.

Additionally, WAoS is offering 100 scholarships per member federation. The WAoS Athlete Certificate is an online course developed for student-athletes between 15 to 18 years of age who want to gain a broader understanding of the tools needed to become successful and knowledgeable athletes. The course has been designed and written by content writers who regularly work with athletes and has been overseen by an expert reference group representing several international federations. 

UWW Development Director, Deqa Niamkey, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the World Academy of Sport to enable our members to acquire new qualifications through participating in WAoS’ leading education programmes. I encourage any member federation who would like their staff to be considered for the available scholarships to apply as this may be the first step towards an exciting new career.”

WAoS’ Managing Director, Chris Solly, said:

“We are delighted to be able to offer this second round of scholarships to the members of United World Wrestling after the highly successful launch of scholarships for the September 2021 intake.

The global sport industry is quickly rebounding.  It is becoming more professional and global. As a result, the demand for highly qualified senior managers is increasing. A postgraduate qualification can give students the extra level of skill needed to progress. Applications for the scholarship and PGCert programme will be open between October 25 and December 12 for the January 2022 intake. Interested individuals can apply via their national federations. Click here for more information about this program.

This WAoS Academic Pathway provides opportunities from high school to postgraduate education, with some of the world’s leading global educational institutions as our partners.”

if you're interested in applying, click -> PGCert Scholarship/Application Form - UWW!

#development

Saudi Arabia Organises Level 1 Coaching Course

By United World Wrestling Press

DAMMAM, Saudi Arabia (June 28) -- A United World Wrestling Level 1 Regional Coaches Course was successfully conducted at Al-Ettifaq Club in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from May 16 to 20, 2026.

Organized by the Saudi Wrestling Federation, the five-day program brought together 36 participants, including 33 men and 3 women, representing Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The course was delivered in a positive and collaborative atmosphere, with participants developing their coaching knowledge. Both theoretical and practical sessions were held using two wrestling mats, ensuring a balanced learning experience that combined classroom instruction with hands-on practice.

Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY)Former U20 world champion Moustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY), centre, at the course in Dammam. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

A notable participant was former U20 world champion in Greco-Roman Mustafa ALAMELDIN (EGY), whose participation added significant value to the course by sharing elite-level experience and inspiring fellow coaches. Several participants demonstrated exceptional potential and were identified as promising future coaches for Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab region.

The topics covered were self-reflection, risk management and safety with focus on coaching skills, teaching techniques, practice planning, anti-doping awareness, and the basic rules of wrestling. These subjects were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to support athlete development and promote safe, effective coaching practices.