The 4th phase of regional development scheme concludes in Galmudug State

Somali Football Federation successfully completed the 4th phase of its regional football development scheme which was carried out under SFF’s “spread the football” initiative in the semiautonomous Somali state of Galmudug from 13-17 July 2016.

This was one of the major football development activities in the year and was organized in the city of Galkayo, some 750 kilometers north of the capital.

Some 62 football volunteers were trained different footballrelated skills under the regional development scheme. They were 30 referees, 20 coaches and 12 football administrators from several cities, towns and villages

across the semiautonomous state of Galmudug. According to the strategic plans announced by Somali FA president Abdiqani Said Arab, in his post election address in August 2014, the regional development scheme is intended to spread football knowledge and experience throughout the country and it is part of the [Spread the football program].

Somali Football Federation education officer, Ali Mohamed Ahmed who addressed at the conclusion ceremony for the development courses first commended Galmudug state for hosting the development program. Mr. Hersi Yusuf Barre for providing local transport, security and high profile medical service during the courses. Thanks to Galkayo main hospital for providing ambulances and paramedics during fitness training sessions at Abdullahi Isse Sports Complex.

“The main point we organize such educational courses is to give every single region the capacity to be able to organize their own courses successfully in the future. Another importance is also to help semiautonomous states to organize professional regional level football leagues” Mr. Ahmed noted during his address.

Former Somali police chief and former Galmudug State president,

Major General Abdi Hassan Awale, praised Somali Football Federation, for the good job they are doing for the whole country.

“In this world, football is all about business, development and civilization. The progress every community makes depends on the level of their football and in Somalia we want to develop the game so that the country can progress well enough” said former Somali Police chief Major General Abdi Hassan Awale.

Galmudug State minister for youth and sport, Warsame Mohamed Hassan, said that the organization of the development courses in his State had marked a moment of great pleasure, adding that with the conclusion of the courses he was very hopeful that football in his regional state will develop more.

“To reach a very high level in football needs much investment. If you invest football as much as wanted, then you can reach the level of your ambition. I urge the federal government of Somalia and business companies to spend much money in football so that we can approach the higher level we want” the minister said before announcing end to the development courses.