Play Soccer Malawi opens Under-12 trials at Bingu Stadium

Play Soccer Malawi has announced the opening of football trials for boys and girls under the age of 12, targeting children born after 2014 and living around the Bingu National Stadium area.

The initiative is being led by Patricio Kulemeka, a FIFA Coach Educator Developer and Director of Play Soccer Malawi, who said the academy was established after observing growing social challenges among children in communities surrounding the stadium.

He cited rising cases of vandalism, school absenteeism and the loss of young football talent as key concerns that prompted the programme.

Kulemeka said the academy will use football as a tool to instil discipline, promote good morals and encourage children to remain in school, while equipping them with modern football skills. 

The programme will also place emphasis on environmental responsibility, teaching young players the importance of protecting their surroundings.

He added that the academy will align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and FIFA’s Football for Goals project. 

As part of this approach, children will not only compete on the pitch but also take part in educational activities, including quizzes designed to introduce them to the UN and the concept of sustainable development.

Environmental education will form a core component of the project, with children taught from an early age about proper waste management and the dangers of environmental degradation.

According to Kulemeka, the academy is part of a long-term 10-year development plan aimed at producing skilled footballers for Malawi by 2036, while also nurturing responsible and productive citizens.

The trials are scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium, starting at 8:00am. 

All eligible children are invited to attend, and those who impress will be selected into the academy squad. Participants have been advised to bring their own playing equipment.

Kulemeka has also called on holders of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) D Coaching Licence who are interested in youth development to volunteer and support the initiative.

He further revealed plans to roll out similar football academies in other communities across Lilongwe to ensure more children have access to structured football development opportunities.

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