Successful Launch of FIFA Football for Schools Program in Curaçao
After an intensive period of preparation, conducted in close collaboration with the Ministry of OWCS, the various school boards, FIFA program staff, and FFK, the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) project was officially launched on 15 April 2026.
Football for Schools
The FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) programme is a global mass participation initiative of FIFA that aims to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of boys and girls aged 4 to 14 across all 211 FIFA Member Associations. It also supports the learning of certified, age- and region-appropriate life skills to promote positive social change worldwide.
Implementation Partners
The implementation partners for the F4S are:
Global:
FIA, Generation Amazing, Qatar Foundation, UNODC, WADA, and WFP
Regional:
Confederations and FIFA, Regional Offices, Regional Organisations (e.g. African Union, ASEAN, CARICOM, EC, PIF)
National:
FIFA Member Associations, UNESCO National Commissions/Offices, Ministries responsible for Education, Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Activity, National Organisations promoting Education, Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Activity
Community:
Schools, Coach-Educators, Learners, Parents, Community Football Clubs, and other structures
Key Focus Areas of the F4S Programme
The F4S programme is built around several key focus areas:
Life skills: developed in collaboration with UNESCO
Football sessions: created by FIFA’s Technical Department
Technology (including the F4S app): developed in collaboration with FIFA IT and Sportradar
Materials (including millions of size 4 footballs): produced by Adidas
As part of the F4S program, FFK has received 200 Adidas footballs to support the implementation of the project.
Launch of F4S in Curaçao
On the launch day, more than 32 coaches from over 41 schools, together with trainers and representatives of FDDK, took part in this inspiring FIFA initiative.
Participants received comprehensive training on 15 and 16 April, delivered by FIFA trainers and former FC Barcelona player and European Ballon d’Or winner, Mr. Hristo Stoichkov, who serves as FIFA’s ambassador for the F4S program.
A child safeguarding specialist from Curaçao also contributed to the program, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment for children.
The training days concluded on 17 April with a practical session involving more than 112 children from the participating schools.
A key outcome of the program is that all participating coaches were officially certified by FIFA as F4S trainers.
Special Highlight
A particularly memorable moment during these days was a video message from FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino, who congratulated FFK and its President, Mr. Martina, on successfully completing the F4S program.
Next Steps
The F4S program should be incorporated into the curriculum of the participating schools and given a permanent place within their schedules.
From now on, the program manager, together with the F4S steering committee, working groups, and participating schools, will oversee the implementation of the F4S program.
