The effort of the Botswana Football Association to develop football from grassroots was complemented by the sponsorship launched on Friday at Lekidi Centre.
European Union and the Ministry of Finance made available P200 000 for the development of the Under 15 and Under 17 training camps for the year 2010.
Steve Kebakile, from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, said the weekend junior soccer camps programme, which is being held under the sponsorship of the European Union, is one of the many areas of the bilateral cooperation and alliance between the government of Botswana and the EU on matters of national development.
Kebakile expressed his gratitude to the EU and to the BFA.
“I would like to acknowledge the support from EU for the development of this country and, of course, of football in Botswana,” he said.
The representative of the Delegation of the EU, Marc Thill, handed the cheque over to the Botswana Football Association president, David Fani.
Thill said that they are aimed at empowering non-governmental entities and civil society among the African Caribbean countries and it has been showing progress in Botswana over the past years.
“We are currently in the process of launching other new projects worth millions, including development of more large grounds. We hope the youngsters will use the grounds effectively,” he said.
The BFA President, David Fani, said the fact that both parties have seen it fit to sponsor youth camps for another year speaks volumes of the seriousness with which both of them take the development of the youth not only as sportspersons but also as responsible future adults.
“The Under 15 training camps enhance the effort of BFA to develop football at grassroots level and by doing so, ensuring a bright future for the game of football in Botswana,” said Fani.
He said that football is a real school of life.
“The weekend camps serve to complement the effort of the BFA to have skillful players and well-rounded citizens,” he said. He further said things change rapidly with times and football is no exception therefore it is important to keep up with the pace.
The training programme, among others, involves physical training, fitness mental programmes, HIV/AIDS programmes and also motivational programs. The training runs from the 15th February to April 18th.
