United States-based American Youth Soccer Organisation (Ayso) has partnered Play Soccer Malawi in its quest to become a fully-fledged academy.
Ayso Region 27 board member board member Chris Wire, who was in the country to appreciate Play Soccer Malawi operations, said he is impressed with the academy’s set-up.
“I have passion for youth soccer and that is why I came here to see how Play Soccer operates and I am impressed with what is happening.
“I believe that through this programme, we can make a difference and make it as useful as we can. And I believe Play Soccer can achieve its goals.
“We are also trying to connect the children here and from where I come from in Saratoga, California,” he said.
On his part, Play Soccer Malawi director Patricio Kulemeka said they are excited with the partnership, “realising that Play Soccer is part of a global village”.
He added: “This is a good development because we now have partners who are going to support our initiatives such as training coaches and equipment.
“We have also identified a place at Binya Village in Traditional Authority [T/A] Makwangwala where we intend to build a football academy that will include a primary school where students will be drilled in football in the mornings and evenings and also attend school in between.”
Kulemeka said they travelled with Wire to Ntcheu to show him the cite of the project.
He said the project is in line with achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
