FIFA Football for Schools Program Launched in Nepal
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has officially launched the "FIFA Football for Schools" program. With the support of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the program formally began on Thursday in Nepal.
At a special event held at Dasharath Stadium, Prime Minister Oli distributed footballs to nearly one thousand schools free of charge with the assistance of FIFA.
During the program, Prime Minister Oli announced the government's priority in developing the sports sector and declared the construction of a new large football stadium in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur.
Contribution to School-Level Football
According to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the "FIFA Football for Schools" program will play a significant role in promoting football at the school level.
Antonio Buenano Sanchez, Manager of the FIFA Football for Schools Program, and Technical Advisor Alberto Giacomini had arrived in Nepal a few days earlier to brief on the operation of the program.
Football Distribution Plan
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Under the program, FIFA, in collaboration with ANFA, will provide:
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32,640 footballs
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To 1,072 schools
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Across all 75 districts of Nepal
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The initiative aims to integrate sports with school curriculum, foster life skills among students, and contribute to grassroots football development.
Program Coordination and Objectives
The program is set to launch formally on 15 Shrawan 2082 (July 31, 2025) at Dasharath Stadium, coordinated by ANFA with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
On Monday, ANFA organized an event to officially announce the Football for Schools program. Manager Antonio Buenano Sanchez of FIFA’s program also attended.
Educational and Social Goals
The program, conducted in partnership between FIFA and UNESCO, is designed to support children's education, development, and empowerment.
It targets school-level students with a focus on enhancing their physical, mental, social, and moral capacities.
Key features include:
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Distribution of football equipment to schools
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Training for coaches and teachers
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Use of football as a teaching medium for life skills such as:
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Discipline
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Self-confidence
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Teamwork
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Leadership
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Gender equality
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Social inclusion
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National-Level Implementation
This inclusive and accessible program targets children of all backgrounds, castes, genders, and regions.
It will be implemented in 1,072 schools across all 77 districts of Nepal.
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Total planned football distribution: 32,640 units
By integrating football into school education, the program is expected to contribute significantly to the holistic development of students.
Dignitaries Present at the Launch
The launch program was attended by:
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Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel
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Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary
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Vice-Chairman of the National Sports Council Dhruba Acharya
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Member Secretary of the National Sports Council Tanklal Ghising
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ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang
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Other dignitaries and officials
