Grassroot Football comes to Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Football Federation with the assistance of the Governing body for sport FIFA will launch the Grass root level Football Development program today which will be continued till May16.

Twenty five teachers and 125 school children (boys and girls) from the age groups 9-11 are expected to participate in this new program.

The program is conducted by FIFA Instructor Fritz Schbid in association with the Youth development Department of FFSL headed by RMU Mahindapala. The theoretical aspects will be held at the football House and practicals and training at Reid Avenue ground, Colombo 07.

The Grassroots program is an initiative in which FIFA, its member associations and their respective education authorities work closely together to encourage young children to learn about football and human values and to enjoy the game as much as possible. In short, it aims to bring happiness to children the world over.

“FIFA’s main objective in creating the Grassroots program is to bring as many people as possible into the game, because football is a school of life.” says FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

The Grassroots program is aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 12 which can be set up in schools, local communities and clubs as this is open to everyone all.

The objectives of the program is to get as many people as possible involved in the game, instill human values and, above all, to bring enjoyment to youngsters simply by letting them take part.

Its focus is the players themselves. And while football is the most popular and widely played sport in the world, there is no reason why we should not continue to encourage young boys and girls to take up the game.

Grassroots football offers fun and enjoyment. It can also be played at schools and clubs and provides young players with regular training and matches.

Football is the main source of pleasure for many children around the world and offers them a means of making friends and expressing themselves.

The Grassroots initiative puts the focus on playing the game, and the basic philosophy behind it is that there is no better teacher than sport.