The rollout of the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign and the distribution of balls for the FIFA Football for Schools program took a significant step forward in Embu on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

A total of 450 children from 30 primary schools benefited from both programs in Embu, demonstrating the extensive reach and profound impact of football.

The FIFA Women’s Football Campaign is a global initiative aimed at increasing female participation in football and fostering the development of women and girls in the sport. It focuses on creating a structured pathway that nurtures young players, providing them with the necessary support and guidance to excel in football and pursue national team and professional opportunities in the future.

Similarly, the FIFA Football for Schools program is a joint initiative between FIFA and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It seeks to impact over 700 million children, both boys and girls, across the globe.

This aligns with the federation’s key priorities of promoting women’s and youth football, as reiterated by FKF President Nick Mwendwa.

“The federation’s key focus areas are women and youth football. The inclusion of these programs has not only helped us in actualizing our priorities but has also shown proven results, with our U17 girls, Junior Starlets, qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic,” said Mwendwa.

The Football for Schools campaign involved 50 coach educators who were initially trained and then tasked with training other primary school teachers in their regions. Teacher and Trainer of Trainers, Simon Kariuki, from Manyatta Mwea Sub-County Primary School, trained 30 teachers on the Football for Schools app that provides life skills training sessions. These teachers showcased what they learned on the pitch during the event.

“We want to create beautiful football in the top-tier league and national levels. To achieve this, we need to build from the grassroots. The best way to do this is by teaching the teachers the right way to train the children. With that, we will have properly trained footballers nurtured right from the grassroots,” said Teacher Kariuki.

The event brought together players and coaches from across Embu for a one-day tournament, aiming to create a fun and engaging environment. It provided players with the opportunity to participate in various small-sided games and other enjoyable activities.

Following this, the joint programs will be rolled out in Samburu on Saturday, July 28, 2024, and then in Busia on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Also read: 30 Teachers CAF D Certified Ahead of Embu FIFA Women’s Football Campaign Roll-out