Mombasa County has been selected as the first region in Kenya to activate the Federation of International Football Association pilot project for women in football development. The grassroot project by FIFA targets to produce over 60 million female soccer players by 2026.
Kenya was lucky to be selected as one of the nations that will be used to implement the project. The international football governing body sent Rachael Pavlou, FIFA Women Football expert, in May this year, to assess the state of female soccer in the country. Her recommendations convinced FIFA to implement the project through the local soccer governing body, Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
The project will see former and current female soccer players undergo leadership workshops, coaching courses and referees training.
FKF will also roll out under 13 and under 15 leagues in partnership with primary schools. The learning institutions were chosen because they provide a good environment for nurturing young talent. Sports teachers from some primary schools will attend a coaching workshop in Mombasa.
The project will also be carried out in Nairobi and Kisumu Counties. Female branch representatives and referees will also benefit from this project later this month.