FUFA embraces grand talent hunt program
Jul 27, 2010
WORLD soccer governing body FIFA is to launch a grand grassroots talent development programme in Uganda.
By James Bakama
WORLD soccer governing body FIFA is to launch a grand grassroots talent development programme in Uganda.
“The target is to ensure that Uganda has a large pool of football talent that can feed not only the national team, but also clubs,†explained FIFA development officer in charge of East and Southern Africa Ashford Mamelodi yesterday.
He said the programme, that will be fully funded by FIFA, targets all primary schools with a focus on kids aged 6-12. FIFA’s input will include capacity building through coaches’ training and provision of equipment like balls and movable goalposts.
Sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi embraced the programme at a meeting where Mamelodi met stakeholders. “It is in line with our policy for mandatory physical education in all schools,†he said. He promised government support.
FUFA boss Lawrence Mulindwa also promised support. “We’ve been lacking such systematic development. It is one of the reasons we’ve failed to make it to the big stage.â€
A committee tasked with finalising a memorandum of understanding and a budget was named.
Mulindwa heads it with his vice presidents Stone Kyambadde, Patrick Ogwel and Omara Apitta as members. Others are physical education instructor Guenter Lange, Charles Egou (NCS), Kennedy Mutenyo and Sulaiman Lusonda. A women’s representative will be named.
The programme is designed to help associations to provide coaching for children based on their specific circumstances. It also encourages the kids to play the game on a regular basis.
FIFA has launched similar programmes in South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, China, Thailand and Namibia.
WORLD soccer governing body FIFA is to launch a grand grassroots talent development programme in Uganda.
“The target is to ensure that Uganda has a large pool of football talent that can feed not only the national team, but also clubs,†explained FIFA development officer in charge of East and Southern Africa Ashford Mamelodi yesterday.
He said the programme, that will be fully funded by FIFA, targets all primary schools with a focus on kids aged 6-12. FIFA’s input will include capacity building through coaches’ training and provision of equipment like balls and movable goalposts.
Sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi embraced the programme at a meeting where Mamelodi met stakeholders. “It is in line with our policy for mandatory physical education in all schools,†he said. He promised government support.
FUFA boss Lawrence Mulindwa also promised support. “We’ve been lacking such systematic development. It is one of the reasons we’ve failed to make it to the big stage.â€
A committee tasked with finalising a memorandum of understanding and a budget was named.
Mulindwa heads it with his vice presidents Stone Kyambadde, Patrick Ogwel and Omara Apitta as members. Others are physical education instructor Guenter Lange, Charles Egou (NCS), Kennedy Mutenyo and Sulaiman Lusonda. A women’s representative will be named.
The programme is designed to help associations to provide coaching for children based on their specific circumstances. It also encourages the kids to play the game on a regular basis.
FIFA has launched similar programmes in South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, China, Thailand and Namibia.