An innovative football training project in Ghana offering coaching experience and professional league placements has been launched by Worthing-based Gap Year specialists Teaching & Projects Abroad.
Based in the capital Accra, this new project offers the opportunity to attend a football academy led by qualified coaches and participate in placements at local youth football clubs.
Sussex student Alistair Slowe, aged 18, was the first volunteer to sign up to the project. A Newcastle United supporter, Alistair has begun his gap year participation in the football project.
He said, “It was really exciting to be involved in such a new and unique project. Having researched options for a gap year, I really wanted to get involved in coaching football. This project stood out from the other options because of the opportunity to potentially train and participate with actual Ghanaian football teams.”
Project Manager Salim Baroudi is a former African professional footballer. He said, “This opportunity presents a great platform for young players from the UK to develop and become involved in the game. Through links with players, agents and footballers in Africa and Europe, we have created a way into football via Africa. We are providing a new and realistic career path for talented young footballers. With many years of playing and coaching experience, I look forward to passing on my knowledge, skills and contacts.”
Ian Birbeck, Head of Recruitment at Teaching & Projects Abroad, said, “Our main objective at Teaching & Projects Abroad is to match the skills, experience and willingness of young British people to the needs, requirements and abilities of communities in developing countries. Sending footballers to Africa, the reverse of the normal trend, is a good example of what can be achieved.”
The first volunteer initiative of its kind, the project also offers skilled players the opportunity to be selected to play for Ghanaian second division teams. No coaching experience is necessary. Volunteers interested in participating in the project will be required to demonstrate knowledge and skills in football.
For further information about this and other Gap Year projects contact Teaching & Projects Aboard on 01903 708300 or visit http://www.projects-
ends
Notes to Editors
Photograph within release shows Alistair Slowe with colleagues from the football academy.
Additional photographs and interviews with Alistair, Salim or Ian are available upon request.
