Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has incorporated academic subjects into its football academy operating at Chiwembe’s Mpira Village, to ensure that the students’ education is not affected.
FAM technical development officer Benjamin Kumwenda said the association has added the teaching of essential academic subjects such as English, Mathematics and Life Skills.
“Our academy comprises school going kids, so we always tell the boys that doing better in the game goes together with doing well in class at school.
“We meet the academy kids two days per week on Fridays and Saturdays. While Saturdays are for the football training sessions, Fridays are dedicated for academic lessons in subjects such as English, Mathematics and Life Skills.
The academy, which was opened six months ago, has 44 students who are divided into four classes under Clement Kafwafwa, Sherry Msuku, Lawrence Mnenulua and Cyrus Luwindo.
The players were drawn from Kanjedza, Kapeni and Misesa Primary schools for the pilot project.
Head coach Abel Mkandawire said the academy is capable of producing future football stars. “We started by teaching them different basic football tactics and now they are able to apply them in actual game situations”, he said.
