The FAM District Leagues will from this year be restricted to Under 21 to accommodate players who have the potential to grow.

This was revealed by FAM Competitions Chairperson Felister Dossi during the launch of the Leagues at Mangochi Stadium on Saturday.

“In the transforming the game strategy one of our working ways is to build capability and clear football career path. This can only be achieved if we provide exhaustive platforms for upcoming players to continue develop and polish their skills.

“This is why we decided to come with an Under 21 League so that it complements the efforts of the FAM Under 14, Under 16 and the First Capital Bank Under 19 Leagues and ensure that developing talent is not lost after the U19 level.

“We want to concentrate our efforts on players who have the potential to grow and take our football forward and we need to bridge the gap with the Super League and Regional Leagues so that the pathway for player development and transition must be smooth.Players must come from this Leagues to go and play for the Super League and national teams and that can only happen if we are dealing with the right age group,” said Dossi.

FAM has increased the sponsorship of the Leagues which will start in July from K90 million to K103 million.

The launch was spiced up with a ceremonial match as Lutende beat Galaxy FC 8-7  on post match penalties.