MoCSY concludes two-day workshop for club leaders

Observer

3 days ago

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) concluded the activities of the specialised workshop titled 'Preparing Annual Plans and Budgets for Sports Clubs,' which was held over two days in Muscat, with the participation of 45 administrators representing various sports clubs across the Sultanate of Oman. The workshop is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional work within sports clubs and to equip their administrative and financial staff with scientific and professional tools that enhance performance sustainability and support the development of the national sports system.
The workshop focused on enabling participants to prepare realistic, executable operational plans and financial budgets based on clear methodologies aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the national sports strategy. It aimed to embed principles of governance, transparency, and integrity, while also linking plans to long-term national goals. In addition, it sought to enhance participants' abilities to tackle the administrative and financial challenges faced by sports clubs.
The workshop saw strong engagement from participants, who praised the scientific and practical value of the content provided
The workshop combined theoretical foundations with practical applications, including intensive hands-on sessions where participants worked on developing realistic plans based on their clubs' internal conditions and needs. The sessions covered stages of strategic planning, principles of budget formulation tied to operational goals, and a review of key audit observations and recurring challenges within club management. These components offered participants a valuable opportunity to build applied skills and deepen their understanding of regulations governing administrative and financial work.
The workshop was delivered by a distinguished group of experts and specialists, including Dr Mubarak al Rahbi from the State's Financial and Administrative Audit Institution, who highlighted the importance of integrity in protecting public funds. He stressed that strengthening oversight contributes to building trust within sports institutions and addressed the significance of commitment and transparency. Dr Al Rahbi noted that some violations observed in clubs are often due to a lack of awareness, rather than intentional misconduct.
Khalifa al Issai, Adviser for Private Entities at the Office of the Under-Secretary for Sports and Youth, gave comprehensive lectures on the legal and regulatory frameworks for planning and budgeting. He emphasised that this workshop falls within the Ministry's strategy to activate the Oman Sports Strategy and implement administrative governance concepts in practice. He also highlighted the importance of such workshops in building a strong knowledge base among club administrations and adopting best practices to create a more professional and efficient working environment.
The workshop is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional work within sports clubs
Dr Ali al Issai, a specialist in institutional strategic planning, focused during his sessions on the importance of aligning annual club plans with the overarching objectives of Oman Vision 2040. He explained that building a comprehensive strategic plan requires an in-depth understanding of a club's internal reality, along with a careful analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. He stressed the need for clear performance indicators that enable ongoing evaluation and improvement.
The workshop saw strong engagement from participants, who praised the scientific and practical value of the content provided. Mohammed al Saadi, Treasurer of Al Musannah Sports Club, stated that the workshop was rich and highly beneficial. It contributed to strengthening transparency and governance concepts and connecting operational planning with strategic club goals. He emphasised the importance of holding such workshops regularly.
In the same vein, Hamdan al Alawi, Director of Al Buraimi Governorate Office, noted that the workshop enhanced communication between club administrations and Ministry departments. He said it helped unify understanding of financial management, presented practical solutions to common challenges, and emphasised the importance of strategic plans that support sustainability and reduce debt burdens. He added that the workshop created a vital space for dialogue and experience-sharing, describing it as a step in the right direction for developing the institutional environment of sports clubs.
This workshop is a part of a broader project adopted by the Ministry to unify administrative and financial procedures in sports clubs. The Ministry is currently working on a national reference model for planning and budgeting, which is expected to be implemented at the beginning of 2026. The model aims to create a more professional and stable institutional environment, ensure transparency, and promote sustainability by providing clubs with clear tools for planning, implementation, and evaluation through accurate performance indicators.