Our two Young Coach Education Programmes in Sri Lanka (2010/11 and 2013) trained a total of 56 Young Coaches in seven modules. In 2010/11, the project’s main objective was to implement a football education programme in the former civil war region Mannar, while in 2013 we focused on promoting integration on the east coast of Sri Lanka (in Batticaloa and Kalmunai).
Region:
Mannar (2010/11) and Batticaloa/Kalmunai (2013)
Duration:
January, 2013 – October, 2013
Status:
Completed
Our gallery gives you the opportunity to browse through a selection of pictures of our work in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the best moments with our Young Coaches, instructors and children in action.
YOUNG COACH
EDUCATION PROGRAMME
2010/11
From May 2010 to May 2011, FC Basel 1893 and the Alliance guest club Tottenham Hotspur FC were actively engaged in the former civil war region Mannar.
After the end of the civil war in spring 2009, refugees had continuously returned. Back in their home villages, they were confronted with numerous different problems and challenges. The aim of our education programme was to offer vital new perspectives to committed young people who strived to contribute to the development and reconciliation in their region after the conflict period.
The Alliance supported this dedication of the young generation by offering a year-long education programme to 28 young teachers and staff of local aid organisations. These Young Coaches were trained to act as social role models to the children. Apart from organising football activities, they especially learned how to convey social topics through football.
A thorough evaluation of the first programme in Sri Lanka revealed that the 28 Young Coaches passed on the education to around 80 peers. Their outstanding social work sustainably benefited some 1,400 children.
2013
Based on the successful results in Mannar, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka proposed to implement a second coaching education programme in Batticaloa and Kalmunai in the East of Sri Lanka.
A first assessment trip to Batticaloa and Kalmunai in September 2012 identified that the communities were still facing severe problems. The civil war until 2009, the tsunami in 2004 and heavy floods in 2011 affected the two cities and their surrounding regions, which made it hard to foster development compared to other parts of the country. The lack of access to international know-how and education had reduced the opportunities available to young people. Sport in general and especially football can be realised with limited infrastructure and material. It can contribute significantly to the development and support of young people. It has to be mentioned that at that time grassroots football for girls and boys did not exist in the two cities.
The FCSA’s second project in Sri Lanka aimed to facilitate a year-long education programme for 28 young women and men. The participants from Batticaloa and Kalmunai formed a socially and culturally heterogeneous group. Instructors from professional European football clubs educated them to become grassroots/children’s football coaches with special competencies in the social field. The coaching education programme focussed on the education, empowerment and motivation of the Young Coaches to become pro-active and socially engaged members of their communities.
Additionally, the project aimed to bring together young people from the two different districts. Batticaloa and Kalmunai faced similar challenges and are located close to each other. Nevertheless, due to different cultural and religious backgrounds, exchange among young women and men in daily life seemed limited. The inclusion of women and the promotion of mutual understanding between women and men as well as boys and girls therefore formed an integral part of the programme.
Sri Lanka
Our Young Coaches are community leaders and role models in less privileged societies. They commit themselves to support the children of the communities by conveying important social topics through football. 56 Young Coaches participated in our two education programme’s in Sri Lanka, each of them represents a unique personal story.
Further partner organisations
British Council Colombo
International Committee of the Red Cross
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society
Batticaloa District Football League
Kalmunai District Football League
Endorsing authorities