Primary schools in nationals games to benefit from FIFA Football for Schools' Programme

©FKF

FOOTBALL Primary schools in nationals games to benefit from FIFA Football for Schools' Programme

Mark Kinyanjui 08:00 - 14.08.2023

The programme will go a long way in helping Kenya realise its vision to qualify for the 2030 World Cup and become an AFCON mainstay.

All schools that took part in the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) national football games are set to benefit from the FIFA Football for Schools program which was launched in the country in July.

FKF president Nick Mwendwa revealed the plan during the final day of the primary schools’ games held in Kisumu Boys on Sunday.

The primary schools will benefit from footballs and other in-kind donations from world governing body FIFA.

Furthermore, teachers handling the children will be given priority in coaching courses offered by the federation. The teachers shall also be allowed access to the FIFA Football for Schools application which they can use to help structure better football and life skills training sessions.

“Children under the age of 15 years spend most of their time in school and that’s why we are being intentional in pushing for programs targeting primary schools,” Mwendwa said.

“As a Federation, we remain committed to giving young players opportunities to explore their potential, in line with our long-term goal of qualifying for continental competitions as well as the 2030 World Cup.”

While awarding the best performers at the just-ended games, the FKF President also revealed that the primary school games shall form a platform for selection of players to the U15 Kenya team that shall represent the country in the CAF African Schools Football Championship. Kenya is set to host the competition in November this year.

The FIFA Football For Schools program, in the meantime, is a collaborative initiative between FIFA and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

It is meant to make football more accessible to both boys and girls around the world and promote targeted life skills and competencies through football and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other priorities.