Football Association of Malawi’s Technical Support Manager James Sangala and Talent Development Scheme Manager Anderson Kamanga were in Johannesburg, South Africa for a four-day FIFA Academies workshop for English-Speaking Countries.

Organised by the Play International and Diambars Academy, the Bootcamp, which started on Monday and ended this afternoon, aimed at equipping officers from the FIFA Academies approved Member Associations with knowledge on creating a safe environment for the boys and girls at a Football Academy.

Malawi is taking part in the workshop alongside Kenya, Mauritius and South Africa in readiness for the opening of the Luwinga Inclusive Academy later this year.

About 27 boys were already identified to be part of the pilot phase of the Luwinga Inclusive Academy which is set to open in July this year while the girls’ squad will be identified in few weeks time.

Sangala said the workshop has helped them understand fundamental principles of managing an inclusive academy like the one FAM is planning to open.

Among other things, training dwelled on Key areas which encompass the importance of Life skills in inclusive academies curriculum including the elements of Inclusion; Gender, sport and development; Pedagogical approaches; Economical modelling to make the Academy Financially Sustainable and Safeguarding principles.