In the Presence of the Dean of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences... Draw Ceremony Held for Reserve and Youth League Competitions for the New Season
⠀
The Competitions Committee of the Iraqi Football Association conducted the official draw for the Reserve League (U-21) and the Youth League (U-17) competitions for the new 2026–2027 season, in the presence of the Chairman of the Competitions Committee and Dean of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Basrah, Dr. Haider Oufi Ahmed.
⠀
Dean of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Dr. Haider Oufi Ahmed, confirmed that the draw for the Reserve League—scheduled to kick off on the seventh of this month—was conducted with the participation of 34 teams divided into four geographical groups to ensure fair competition, reduce logistical burdens, and develop young talents.
⠀
Group 1 (Northern 1) comprised the teams of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Amanat Baghdad, Zakho, Newroz, Ghaz Al-Shamal, Al-Karma, Mosul, and Samarra. Group 2 (Northern 2) included Al-Zawraa, Al-Masafi, Duhok, Peshmerga Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Al-Jolan, Diyala, Al-Sinaa, and Al-Naft. Group 3 (Southern 1) consisted of Al-Talaba, Al-Hussein, Al-Minaa, Al-Najaf, Al-Kahrabaa, Al-Nasiriya, Afak, and Naft Maysan. Group 4 (Southern 2) included Al-Shorta, Al-Kadhimiya, Al-Sina'at Al-Kahrabaiya, Naft Al-Basra, Al-Qasim, Al-Karkh, Al-Shatrah, Karbala, and Al-Gharraf.
⠀
In the same context, the draw for the Youth League (U-17)—set to launch on the thirteenth of this month—was conducted with 28 teams divided into four groups. Group 1 featured Al-Shorta, Al-Hudood, Zakho, Ghaz Al-Shamal, Erbil, Al-Jolan, and Diyala. Group 2 included Al-Talaba, Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, Duhok, Newroz, Mosul, Al-Karma, and Al-Naft. Group 3 comprised Al-Zawraa, Al-Hussein, Al-Minaa, Al-Nasiriya, Al-Sina'at Al-Kahrabaiya, Karbala, and Al-Karkh. Group 4 included Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Amanat Baghdad, Al-Kahrabaa, Naft Maysan, Al-Gharraf, Al-Samawah, and Al-Najaf.
⠀
Dr. Haider Oufi Ahmed noted that the University of Basrah, represented by the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, attaches great importance to these competitions due to their effective role in honing youth skills and supporting Iraqi football. He affirmed the college's readiness to extend scientific, academic, and technical support through its specialized teaching faculty and scientific research in the field of sports sciences.
⠀
Department of Media and Government Communication