In what has been termed as the ‘biggest’ ever grassroots development program in the country’s football history, Djibouti’s school children are enjoying youth football development program where FDF intends to form its future U-17 national football squad, according to Djibouti FA President Souleiman Hassan Waberi.
The first phase of the youth football development program gathered over 300 children including boys and girls from 34 schools in the cities of Djibouti and Balbala. While the second phase of the development program is due to start in a view weeks time.
In his capacity as President Mr. Souleiman Hassan Waberi is fully implementing what he promised in a meeting with FIFA president earlier in the month during which he assured Mr. Blatter that he is committed to develop the country’s love for football, prioritising women’s football and schools development programs.
“In the first phase of our grassroots development program we have targeted children under 11 years of age and in the second phase of the programme we will target U-14 and U-15 children. This is is part of our hunt for Djibouti’s near future Under 17 football squad,” President Souleiman Hassan Waberi told the media at Djibouti FA technical centre Monday.
The program has two more important objectives. The first one is to establish youth development program from the very beginning and the second objective is to engage early preparations and forming potential future national youth team, the president emphasized in his address at the launching ceremony of the program on Monday.
Meanwhile, Ambouli School children won a month-long football tournament held for primary schools in the capital Djibouti. While PK12 school children won a separate tournament held in the city of Balbala and they were presented trophies and other awards during a ceremony at the National technical centre Late on Monday.
However scores of children selected during the month-long competitions were encamped at the national technical centre Monday. President Souleiman Hassan Waberi told the media that special training programs were prepared for the selected children who will undergo daily training sessions.
