Football Association of Zambia Launches FIFA Schools Program to Nurture Youth Talent
Football Association of Zambia Launches FIFA Schools Program to Nurture Youth Talent
In a landmark event held at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga announced the official launch of the FIFA Schools program. The gathering, attended by FIFA representatives, FAZ Executive Committee members, and other dignitaries, marked a significant step towards FAZ’s long-term vision for football development.
President Kamanga expressed great enthusiasm about the realization of the FIFA Schools program, which stemmed from a tripartite agreement between FAZ, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and the Ministry of Education. The initiative was initially signaled in 2021 and has now come to fruition with collaborative efforts.
One of the key highlights of the program is the training of personnel from all 10 provinces, who will play a pivotal role in advancing its objectives by imparting knowledge to their colleagues in their respective regions. Additionally, FIFA’s generous contribution of 12,000 footballs and jerseys is expected to play a vital role in the success of the pilot project, providing essential equipment for participants.
The FIFA Schools program aligns seamlessly with FAZ’s 10-year strategic plan, emphasizing the significance of youth and grassroots football as the foundation for comprehensive football development. President Kamanga expressed confidence that the program has the potential to cultivate a new generation of talent, reminiscent of Zambia’s historical “School Boy internationals.”
Acknowledging FIFA’s continuous support, President Kamanga extended gratitude for the four provincial stadia provided by FIFA, which will serve as platforms for football improvement at the grassroots level.
President Kamanga concluded his speech by urging technical experts to carefully select participants, ensuring that the beneficiaries of the program become exemplary ambassadors for the project and contribute to the growth and success of Zambian football.
