FERWAFA strengthens child protection through safeguarding workshop (Photos)

The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting young footballers by organizing a safeguarding workshop for personnel involved in the Rwanda Rising Star Championship, the country’s premier Under-17 football league.

Held at FERWAFA headquarters in Kigali, the workshop brought together 17 safeguarding officers representing clubs competing in the Rwanda Rising Star Championship.

The training was facilitated by FERWAFA Technical Director Gerard M. Buscher and FERWAFA Safeguarding Officer Mireille Uwineza under the theme ‘Protect, Prevent, Act’.

The workshop focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of safeguarding principles and reinforcing the responsibility of clubs and football officials to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for children participating in football.

Through presentations, group discussions and practical case studies, participants learned how to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation, as well as the appropriate procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.

Officials also emphasized the importance of preventing misconduct before it occurs by promoting positive coaching practices, maintaining appropriate relationships between adults and young players, and ensuring that every child enjoys football in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.

The initiative forms part of FERWAFA’s wider safeguarding strategy, which aims to align Rwandan football with international standards on child protection promoted by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In recent years, safeguarding has become a key pillar of football governance worldwide, with federations encouraged to establish clear policies and reporting mechanisms to protect children and other vulnerable participants in the game.

The Rwanda Rising Star Championship serves as the country’s elite Under-17 football competition and plays a central role in the development of young talent.

The league brings together youth teams from top-flight clubs and football academies across Rwanda, providing promising players with regular high-level competition while preparing them for future opportunities in domestic and international football.

The competition also serves as an important pathway to Rwanda’s national youth teams, with standout performers earning selection to the U-17 national squad for regional and continental competitions.

Beyond developing technical ability, the league places increasing emphasis on education, discipline, character development and player welfare to ensure that young athletes grow both on and off the pitch.

By equipping safeguarding personnel with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify risks and respond effectively, FERWAFA aims to strengthen protection measures throughout the youth football system.

The federation believes that safeguarding is a shared responsibility involving clubs, coaches, parents, match officials and administrators, all working together to ensure the well-being of every child involved in the sport.

Photos

By Joseph Morris Vincent