FIFA Grassroots programme set to start in Kumasi

FIFA will launch one of its key football development programmes in Kumasi on Friday to boost the game in the country.

Ghana has been selected as one of the venues to host the FIFA Grassroots programme which starts on Friday 22 June to Sunday 24th June 2012.

The world governing body's development officer Yvon Avry has arrived in the country to lead the training programme that will involve coaches and 100 children.

The programme, aimed at helping to develop the game at the grassroots level, will see 27 Ghanaian coach educators undergoing training on how to train kids.

Education and Development officer of the Ghana Football Association, Francis Oti Akenteng will coordinate the programme which will see 100 children chosen from the schools in Kumasi to take part.

The programme, which will be directed by FIFA officials, is the first of its kind to be held in Ghana but has taken place in some African countries already.

The FIFA Grassroots programme places at its core, an emphasis on the notion of both education and fun for the children.

FIFA's grassroots football programme targets boys and girls aged 6-12 years through school, community and club initiatives.

The key concept of the programme is to bring together as many people as possible through football.

The grassroots programme advocates exchanges and sharing human values and, of course, promotes the pleasure of practising our marvellous sport.

It also promotes mass participation and inclusivity; everyone has the right to play regardless of gender, age, skills, race, social origin and religion.