Covid-19 affects Ascent Soccer Academy operations

Lilongwe-based football academy Ascent Soccer Academy says it is struggling to sustain its operations due to the financial impact of Covid-19.

The academy’s operations director Thom Mkolongo said the pandemic has made it difficult to raise funds for the institution’s operations.

 “We have tried our best with our traditional means of raising  funds, including organising fundraising events abroad, but it has not been fruitful,” he said.

Mkolongo said the financial problem has led to suspension of some of its services such as nutrition support to its students.

“We have a lot of children that we support, but with this pandemic, we are unable to do so,” he said.

One of the students’ parents Peterkins Kayira said the Covid-19 situation was affecting the children.

 “There is less progress in my view on assessment of these young footballers because competitive games they engage in give these young footballers a clear footing of what they learn,” he said.

He, however, urged the young footballers to continue training.

Ascent Soccer Academy, previously known as Chigoli, is the only full-time football academy in the country.

It has under-13, Under-17, Under-20 boys and under-20 for girls.

The academy has produced some players for the Under-17 national football team that participated in Cosafa Championship last year.