Malawi Schools Sports Association (Massa) has urged schools across the country to start registering for the 2016 edition of the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) Schools Tournament.
Massa general secretary Blackson Malamula said registration started on February 22 and will run up to March 2.
The tournament is open to all secondary schools.
“Registration forms will be distributed in all zones and each participating school is supposed to fill in the form and enclose a group photo of all 25 players.
“Massa will be strict on age and screening will be done at all levels, thus at district, zone, division and national. Only secondary school students who were born in 2000 or 2001, are eligible to play in this tournament. But we are yet to come up with the date of the launch,” he said.
The GS said age-cheating deprives deserving students an opportunity to showcase their skills.
“Age-cheating has been a big problem, but we are working with teachers and parents to ensure that only those that fall under the required age should participate in the tournament. We will be verifying through birth certificates,” said Malamula.
He also hailed Airtel Malawi for its continued support.
“ARS tournament is unique because it covers both boys and girls. This is the sixth season that Airtel Malawi has been sponsoring this tournament. They are doing a commendable job in ensuring that soccer at grass roots level grows,” said Malamula. n
