Research On Current Situation Of Youth Football And Its Impact On Football Development In Rwanda

The study was chosen to analyze the current situation of youth football training in Rwanda and how it impacts on national football development because it has been shown that training the young players is essential for the future of national and international football.The study specifically examined how young players in Rwanda are taught to play football from childhood in their schools until they are selected to play for senior teams in different leagues of the country.This study identify the challenges encountered that hinder the development of the youth football in the country and on international level.The data were collected by documentation and questionnaires(teachers,players and coaches),these respondents are well placed to know much about Rwandan football and some(players and coaches)made this game their lifestyle.The interview was used to collect some data from expert of concerned institutions.The author analyzed the data using MS-Excel and SPSS and the results were presented by frequencies tables and charts.The study has revealed that the youth football system is not well structured among institutions;there are football centres and academies but they don't work properly due to different challenges.In Rwanda,the concerned institutions don't work hand in hand,the lack of good quality facilities and qualified personal in youth football,financial means have been also identified among the main challenges.These challenges impact on football in the country and particular on the national team performance;football from grassroots,football in schools can contribute more on the development of the game in the country,providing facilities and qualified coaches can produce elite players and expose them to the international stage.Institutions in charge of football should work hand in hand and empower collaboration to build a solid youth football system by developing a high performance set-up and improving the performance standards that will produce the footballers able to compete and excel on international stage.Rwanda needs more and qualified personnel and youth football coaches to avoid any problem that can occur during talent development,the participation in football from grassroots should be increased and provide facilities(infrastructures and equipment)in all places of the country.