Training of young coaches for Football for Schools hits gear in Niger

Following the memorandum of Understanding signed between the world soccer governing body, FIFA and the Niger Football Federation (FENIFOOT) for the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) recently in Rabat, a training workshop for young coaches has been launched in the Niger capital, Niamey.

The workshop scheduled for 4-7 August 2025, aims to equip participants on several aspects essential to implementing the program for the benefit of the young and prospective footballers.

During the four days, the young coaches (trainers) will be introduced to the organization of school festivals, the planning of tournaments in school, the development of pedagogical and sporting skills, and the integration of the methodology specific to the F4S program.

The training will alternate theoretical and practical sessions, marking an important step in the professionalisation of school football coaching in Niger.

FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou has described the initiative as a watershed moment for Niger football as both trainers and children will benefit from improving the development of the game at the grassroots level.

“The FIFA Football for Schools brings two major benefits to Niger. First, it provides children with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and passions, and to awaken them to the virtues of sport, and football in particular, with all the positive implications through its values (solidarity, tolerance, commitment to hard work, inclusion, etc.) and health promotion.

“Secondly, having more children learning the basics of football allows us to put into practice our grassroots football development strategy, focusing on the training of children and young people who could join our various youth teams, strengthen our clubs, and develop our football.

“FIFA has brought a team to train around 100 trainers, who will be deployed throughout Niger's regions to implement this project. The aim is to introduce children to football in schools.”

On his part, Antonio Sanchez, Manager of FIFA Football for Schools said “Today we're back with a FIFA team to continue everything we started a year ago. But the idea is really to go deeper, to work together with the various stakeholders, the Niger Football Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Education, to work together for the benefit of children, to truly continue to provide opportunities for young girls and boys everywhere in Niger, and to continue training educators and instructors; this is fundamental for us at FIFA.”

Launched in 2019 in collaboration with UNESCO, FIFA Football for Schools aims to teach millions of children around the world life and academic skills through football and is rooted within the existing education system of each FIFA Member Association.

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