Football Leaders Call for Greater Investment in Youth, Women’s Football – Kenya News Agency
Football stakeholders have emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in grassroots, youth, and women’s football to propel the sport’s development across Africa. This call to action, made during the fourth Africa Football Business Summit in Mombasa, underscores a pivotal opportunity for growth within the sport.
Prioritizing Youth and Women’s Football
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed articulated the federation’s commitment to nurturing young talent. “Our focus as a federation will be to invest in youth football,” he stated, highlighting ongoing structural reforms to improve governance and accountability within the federation. With substantial financial investments planned for youth and women’s football, FKF is not just talking about change; they are actively implementing strategic plans to ensure robust governance.
Additionally, FKF aims to enhance management efficiency through data analytics and modern administrative technology. Mohammed’s vision also includes launching a regional beach football tournament, leveraging Mombasa’s growth as a footballing hub.
Building Global Collaborations
Marlon Glean, President of the Grenada Football Association and member of FIFA’s Technical Development Committee, voiced strong support for Kenya’s leadership and highlighted the potential for collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. With 79 FIFA member associations in these regions, the opportunity to influence global football policies is immense. “It’s time Africa and the Caribbean stand together to dominate the global football space,” Glean remarked.
This collaboration is essential, as targeted partnerships and aligned strategies can amplify the influence of both regions in shaping football’s future.
Take Action Now
As part of this initiative, Hussein encouraged Kenyans to support the Harambee Starlets in their upcoming qualifier match against Gambia at Nyayo Stadium. “Come out in large numbers to support our girls. They have shown great promise and will make the country proud,” he urged.
This two-day summit has convened a diverse group of football stakeholders to focus on governance and youth empowerment. As we move forward, the message is clear: it’s time to invest in our future. Stakeholders must collaborate to-
Next Steps:
- Engage with local football clubs to identify talent.
- Invest in community development initiatives that promote women and youth participation.
- Attend local matches to show support and boost community involvement.
By taking these actionable steps, we can secure a brighter future for football in Africa and beyond.
