As part of the Visit Rwanda and Arsenal Football Club partnership, the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), alongside the Ministry of Sports and Culture and Visit Rwanda, is hosting Simon McManus, Arsenal’s Football Development Lead Coach, for a five-day coaching clinic. McManus will lead the coaching clinic for the Rwanda National Academy’s U17s players at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali from 19-23 August 2019.
The U17s are in the final stages of their two-year intensive training programme and this clinic will help prepare them for their exit route from the academy, which could involve a professional football career. The clinic will see 25 players and five coaches from the academy take part in practical sessions over the course of the five days.
In line with previous Arsenal coaching clinics held in Rwanda in October 2018 and February 2019, this clinic will deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Arsenal coaching philosophy and support the development of football in Rwanda.
The Visit Rwanda and Arsenal Football Club partnership is not only helping tourists and investors discover the uniqueness of Rwanda as a travel and business destination, it is also providing Rwandan young footballers with the opportunity to train with and learn from the world’s best.
Arsenal Football Club is renowned for its youth coaching programme and the national academy’s U17s will benefit from Arsenal’s experience producing world class talent.
The Ministry of Sports and Culture aims to establish a player and coach development pathway which allows and encourages athletes and coaches to gain experience, thereby allowing for continuous growth of technical expertise in coaching, refereeing and player development. This latest clinic with Arsenal will help Rwanda to achieve its football legacy goals.
The general public and media will be able to attend an open training with the U17s and Simon McManus at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday, 22 August 2019 from 9:00 to 10:30 am.