12 Jun 2017

Thirty one participants received certificates after a five day premier skills course aimed at developing skills of young people.

Coach educator, Barobi Nwako said premier skills was a partnership between the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and the British Council, which used football as a tool to engage with young people.
 

“The course uses football to develop a brighter future for young people around the world, drawing upon the global appeal of the premier league and its expertise in delivering community programmes, alongside the British Council’s global network and track record of grassroots programme delivery,’’ she said.

She further said the programme encouraged the community to take part in football, adding that she was pleased that women attended the course in large numbers.

“Ladies you have taken a very challenging role, football is a challenging sport code because men will always want to discriminate so accept the challenge and be strong,” said Nwako.

British Council project manager, Boitumelo Kgangetsile said Premier Skills in football should start developing from grass roots by working with the community and schools.

Kgangetsile said she would like to see the impact of what participants had learnt being seen in their communities.

One participant, Kagiso Bokole, said people should use football as a tool to create opportunities in their communities.

She said ‘football plays a vital role as it brings people together’ and further urged for girls and boys to  be given the opportunity to play the sport.

“We benefited from the course as we will be able to cascade the skills we have acquired to our different regions,’’ said Boloke.

The course, which was held at Lekidi Auditorium, attracted participants from Ghanzi, Kang, Hukuntsi and Tsabong. ENDS