Accra, May 5, GNA - The first ever FIFA Com-Unity seminar in West Africa on 'Grassroots and Youth Development' has opened in Accra with the core objective for the development of the game at the grassroots level. The three-day seminar funded by the World soccer governing body, Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) is under the theme "Building stronger collaboration between Ghana Football Association (GFA) and key stakeholders." The seminar is aimed at bringing together various stakeholders in football to deliberate on the development of grassroots and youth football.

Zambia football legend, Kalusha Bwalya in a presentation on behalf of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, said FIFA recognizes the effect of grassroots football development, hence the programme. Bwalya, who is the President of the Football Association of Zambia, (FAZ) said FIFA attaches great importance to grassroots development, a foundation upon which societies are built. He therefore entreated on all to invest in grassroots development, especially football in schools as a first step towards climbing to the top.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntanka described the organization of the seminar as timely and appropriate since he noted it will go a long to informing the major stakeholders of their roles in the development of the game. Alhaji Muntaka mentioned the two objectives of organizing the seminar as improving upon communication between members of the Football Association and stakeholders and the making of readily available knowledge of marketing to partners for the development of the game.

The Minister commended FIFA for choosing Ghana for the maiden edition in West Africa and charged all participants to make the best of the knowledge gained. Other sessions of the seminar include communication for the media and Marketing presentation for all participants. Experts from FIFA in the related fields are acting as the Resource Persons.