On July 30, 2023, Al Ahly Sporting Club announced in a press conference a two-year sponsorship agreement with Universities of Canada in Egypt (UofCanada) as the exclusive educational partner starting from the 2023-2024 season. UofCanada is currently hosting international branches of the University of Prince Edward Island and Toronto Metropolitan University in the New Administrative Capital. The official signing ceremony was attended by Captain Mahmoud El-Khatib, President of ASC, Dr. Saad Shalaby, Executive Director, ASC, H.E. Louis Dumas, Ambassador of Canada to Egypt, Dr. Magdy El Kady, Chairman of the Board of Governors, UofCanada, Dr. Ramy Sallam, President, UofCanada, Mr. Muhammad Yahya Lotfi, Chairman of the Board, United Company for Sports Marketing and Advertising Services, in addition to many other public figures.
In light of this collaboration, Al Ahly will receive a financial contribution from UofCanada as sponsorship fees, along with a range of exclusive educational benefits for the club members such as full academic scholarships over the two years, and a special discount for members seeking enrollment in various faculties and disciplines offered at UPEI Cairo campus. Furthermore, club members will be granted a special discount on postgraduate programs, fostering their continuous growth and development. Al Ahly will also have access to state-of-the-art media facilities, including fully equipped studios and cutting-edge cameras, all readily available on demand.
The offered benefits are meant to honor ASC’s members and devoted fan base, while also acknowledging its remarkable history. This partnership aligns with ASC’s strategic objective of generating consistent revenue through sponsorship rights, in collaboration with the United Company for Sports Marketing. As ASC is adopting a new vision, it endeavors to transcend a merely sporting club, and instead, emerge as a multifaceted institution that actively contributes to community development by integrating sports and education. Simultaneously, UofCanada’s strategy involves sharing its outstanding international expertise with ASC’s expansive community, and effectively fulfilling its commitment to nurturing Egyptian youth, which serves both public and private interests.
Captain Al-Khatib stated that Al Ahly is excited to partner with UofCanada. This collaboration exemplifies our conviction that education and sports should be integrated as part of our commitment to maintain excellence. This agreement will provide grants and discounts to members of Al Ahly club, and they are currently exploring the possibility to include its fans too, given their significant role in shaping the club’s identity.
H.E. Louis Dumas expressed his satisfaction with this agreement between UofCanada and ASC. “This partnership will add another success story to the record of Canadian investments in higher education in Egypt and enhance the social and athletic relations between Canada and Egypt. This agreement will allow ASC youth to embrace Canadian values and get access to the quality education provided by UofCanada in the Administrative Capital, through esteemed universities such as Prince Edward Island and Toronto Metropolitan.”
Dr. Magdy El Kady extended his gratitude to Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib, ASC leaders, and the United Company for their positive attitude towards this collaboration. He also expressed his optimism that this partnership will last for many years to come. Dr. El Kady stressed UofCanada’s dedication to delivering the quality education that ASC members expect and deserve, and that this partnership with the Century Club is an effective example of the importance of integrating education and sports to provide the best value for Egyptian youth.
