FIFA Collaborates with Malawi's Football Association, AFD to Launch Inclusive Football Academy in Mzuzu
The Luwinga Technical Centre, where the academy is based, features an office, hostels, and three football grounds.
Mzuzu, Malawi - In a significant development for football in Malawi, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), in collaboration with FIFA and AFD, is set to inspect and launch an Inclusive Football Academy at the Luwinga Technical Centre in Mzuzu, writes Victor Musongole.
The Inclusive Football Academy, which has been under construction for several years, is designed to impart the best footballing techniques to young players while also preparing them for life beyond the football field. FIFA has pledged $200,000 over the first two years to support this project.
This initiative is part of a broader FIFA and AFD project being implemented in three African countries, including Mauritania and Djibouti.
Walter Nyamilandu, President of FAM, expressed his optimism about the Luwinga project, referring to it as the pioneering academy that the association believes will produce professional footballers.
He stated, "We are happy that we are rolling out the academy project. It has been a far-fetched dream, and we expect to see change in four years. We are going to set standards with no shortcuts."
Gelson Fernándes, FIFA Director of Member Associations, noted that Malawi was chosen among the three countries for this project after a successful application by FAM.
He believes that the academy will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young talents, not just in football but in various professions.
He stated, "We saw the quality of administration and stability, including the impact the project will have, so Malawi was chosen among the three, and we believe youngsters will excel both in football and in other professions."
The project's delegation also met with various stakeholders in Lilongwe, including representatives from the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender, National Youth Football Association, National Football Coaches Association, Football Legends, UNESCO, and UNICEF.
The Luwinga Technical Centre, where the academy is based, features an office, hostels, and three football grounds.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in nurturing young football talent and providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed both on and off the field.