In a bid to positively impact the lives of children and promote football as a means of learning and development, FIFA is set to launch the Football for Schools (F4S) program in Kenya.

In collaboration with UNESCO, this initiative aims to use football as a powerful tool for learning and development.

FIFA delegates

The much-anticipated inauguration is scheduled to take place in Kakamega on Sunday, July 30, 2023, and will be graced by Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa and FIFA delegates Fatimata Sidibé, Antonio Buenaño, and Melvin Mendy.

With over 2,000 schools set to directly benefit from the program, Kenyan students will have a unique opportunity to enhance their football skills and personal growth.

On a global scale, the F4S program has a grand vision of reaching over 700 million boys and girls. Through football, the initiative aims to equip young learners with essential life skills and competencies.

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other key priorities, the program seeks to nurture a well-rounded generation.

Michael Amenga, FKF’s Head of Technical, emphasized the immense significance of youth and women’s football in the federation’s developmental goals.

Recognizing the substantial time children spend in school, FKF aims to make a direct impact by empowering teachers with coaching education and providing necessary football equipment.

“Youth and women’s football remain key in FKF’s football development agenda. Since children spend most of their time in school, we believe that we can directly impact them through capacity building of our teachers with coaching education and provision of football equipment,” Amenga told FKF media.

FIFA’s F4S in Kenya

The Football for Schools (F4S) program is set to kick off in Kenya with a three-day football and life skills training session for 50 coach educators.

These educators, selected from all 47 counties for their passion for primary school football, will play a crucial role in conducting football and life skills programs in their respective regions.

During the official launch at Bukhungu Stadium, boys and girls from chosen schools in the Western region will come together for small-sided football games and life skills training.

Participating schools will also receive footballs and training equipment, with the coach educators continuing to train primary school teachers in their regions to effectively pass down the knowledge and skills to the children.

Furthermore, primary school teachers directly involved with the children will be given priority in FKF’s coaching courses.