Safeguarding
A commitment to safeguarding standards and the protection of minors, including FIFA rules on international transfers of minors.
Flagship initiative
The Abia Football Pathway
A planned grassroots football development pathway in Abia State, Nigeria, intended to be delivered in partnership with government as a proposed public-private partnership.
The programme
A structured pathway for young players
The Abia Football Pathway is our proposed programme to identify promising young footballers at grassroots level and support them through structured coaching, education and welfare, with ethical routes to further opportunities.
It is intended to be delivered through a public-private partnership with government, bringing together schools, communities, sponsors and development partners around a shared goal.
Programme status
The Abia Football Pathway is a planned initiative. Its design, partners and delivery arrangements are being developed, and the proposed partnership with government is subject to agreement.
How it is planned to work
Stages of the pathway
The proposed pathway is designed in four connected stages.
Grassroots identification
Working with schools and communities to discover young players with potential.
Structured development
Regular, quality coaching focused on technical, tactical, physical and personal growth.
Education & welfare
Supporting schooling, wellbeing and safeguarding throughout every player’s journey.
Opportunities
Ethical, FIFA-compliant connections to clubs and opportunities in the UK and Europe.
Player-centred by design
Welfare and education at the core
Education
Players are encouraged and supported to stay in education alongside their football development.
Families & communities
Open communication with parents, guardians, schools and local communities.
Help shape the Abia Football Pathway
We are seeking conversations with government, sponsors, clubs and development partners interested in the proposed pathway.