FUFA initiates professional grassroots coaching training in West Nile
Upon completion, participants will receive certificates in the beginners' coaching course, positioning them for promising careers in the vibrant and growing field of grassroots football coaching.
Zombo: A four-day intensive coaching training program aimed at empowering grassroots football coaches is underway in Zombo District, West Nile.
Organized by the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) and funded by Zombo District, the training began on Wednesday, December 4, and will conclude on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Cream Land Motel in Paidha Town Council.
The training brought together 32 participants from Zombo and Nebbi districts, who each paid a subsidized fee of UGX 80,000 to access the foundational coaching course. This initiative aligns with FUFA’s mission to foster football development across Uganda through grassroots empowerment, promotion of women’s football, and enhanced technical support for clubs and teams.
Jimmy Dokcen, Chairperson of the Zombo District Football Association, explained that the training aims to elevate grassroots sports management.
“After identifying the low level of grassroots coaching in the district, we organized this training to professionalize the sector. Although we expected 40 participants, we are happy with the progress so far,” Dokcen noted, urging untrained coaches to seize similar opportunities in the future.
The District Sports Officer, Aziz Onim, praised the participants for embracing the program, which he said aligns with the 2023 Sports Act aimed at professionalizing sports management. “This initiative will undoubtedly enhance our competitive edge and promote professionalism in the sport,” Onim added.
Sharifa Nantumbwe, a CAF B-qualified coach and FUFA instructor leading the training, emphasized the significance of the beginners’ coaching course as a foundation for advanced certifications.
“This course is the first step toward becoming a professional coach. With dedication, participants can progress through CAF D, C, and E levels to potentially become FUFA instructors like me. Our goal here is to equip coaches with the skills and qualifications necessary to shape the future of Ugandan football,” Nantumbwe explained.
Despite the success of the program, the absence of female participants highlights a persistent gender gap in grassroots sports in Zombo District. Stakeholders, including security officers, have also called for streamlined sports management, citing that professional coaching can mitigate hooliganism and other issues linked to untrained local coaches.
Upon completion, participants will receive certificates in the beginners’ coaching course, positioning them for promising careers in the vibrant and growing field of grassroots football coaching.
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