Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a significant boost to youth football development, the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) have extended the Fifa Football for Schools (F4S) initiative to the Midlands Province, bringing hope and opportunity to thousands.
The rollout marks a major step in promoting inclusive access to sport in some of Zimbabwe’s most under-served communities.
This past week, schools from Gokwe, Kwekwe, Mvuma, Gweru, Shurugwi, Mberengwa and Zvishavane received consignments of footballs under the programme.
The equipment is meant to support physical education while identifying and nurturing grassroots talent.
“The initiative, which seeks to equip schools in marginalised communities with essential football equipment, reached seven districts across the province,” Zifa said in a statement released on Friday.
Through the F4S initiative, Fifa provide basic equipment and educational support to schools, with the goal of fostering both athletic development and social progress through football.
Zifa, as the local implementing partner, must ensure equipment reaches the intended beneficiaries and supports the broader goals of inclusivity and youth empowerment.
“This transformative programme is aimed at increasing access to football at grassroots level, nurturing young talent, and promoting social inclusion through sport.”
The association added that the project is in line with their strategy: “The Football for Schools project aligns with Zifa’s broader vision of expanding football development across all corners of the country, particularly in under-served and hard-to-reach areas.”
Zifa also took the opportunity to acknowledge Fifa’s role in making the initiative possible. “Zifa extends its gratitude to Fifa for its unwavering support and reaffirms its commitment to grassroots football development in Zimbabwe.”
