Somali Football Federation, launched a new center dedicated to youth football development, the first of its kind ever opened in the country paving the way for the openings of other centers across the football-growing horn of African nation.
Inaugurated by the president of Somali Football Federation, Mr. Ali Abdi Mohamed, the new youth football development center began its operation in the city of Baidoa on Thursday,
13th of February 2025.
“After a lot of efforts and dedication, the first center is finally open in Baidoa and it is the first of several development centers of its kind planned to be opened in all federal member states. Congratulations to the city of Baidoa for having the opportunity to host the first youth football development center” president Ali Abdi Mohamed, said adding that the center accommodates children from U- 9 to 13 and 15 years old.
“To produce talented players, they must be given the opportunity to train at a very young age and that is why the center targets children as young as under 9 years old” the president noted. “The children attend schools, but they will engage in their training sessions outside their school periods, as we want to produce talented players who are at the same time well-educated” president Ali Abdi Mohamed, emphasized during his address at the launch of the new youth football development center in Baidoa which is some 246 kilometers south west of the capital Mogadishu.
The president was accompanied by the minister for youth and sport of South West State, Salman Shuaib Ali and South West State Football Association chairman, Ahmed Ali Hassan.
Meanwhile, the president also opened CAF License D coaching course for 30 young coaches in Baidoa. “This will help boost the region’s football” president Ali Abdi Mohamed, said adding that all regional states will benefit from such development courses. The president praised South West State Football Association chairman, Ahmed Ali Hassan, for his hard work and commitment to football.
