The federal government of Somalia has expressed a feeling of great happiness and triumph over the organization of the yearly youth soccer
tournament, which was described by a top ministry of sport official as a ‘sign for peace’ and development.

The annually held soccer event which continued from 01-28 August 2015, gathered over 340 youthful boys under the age of 19.

Most of the youngsters came through schools, but in the competition they were representing their respected districts in which they live. Boys
representing Boondheere district have won the youth tournament.

More than 125 youngsters have been shortlisted from the competition by Somali  by experts from the SFF technical department. The selected youngsters will go under special training programs to prepare them for future Youth National teams.

The 28-day long competition which was hosted at Banadir Stadium was organized by the local regional football committee with the go ahead and
facilitation from Somali Football Federation and with the cooperation from
the mayor of the capital.

Somali Football Federation Senior Vice president, Ali Abdi Mohamed, who addressed at the conclusion ceremony of the tournament on 28th of August 2015, said that one of the main reasons for the organization of the annual
youth tournament was to hunt future U 17 and U 20 teams from the event, adding that creating friendship and integration among youths was also
another important objective for holding such competition.

On his side, the Mayor of the capital, Brigadier General Hassan Mohamed Hussein, said it was an honor for his administration to have a role in the
smooth going of youth football programs which brought together and created a pleasurable atmosphere for hundreds of Somali youthful boys.

“Such competitions are very useful for protecting our youths and we promise to continue our cooperation with Somali Football Federation” the
mayor said during his address at the conclusion ceremony for the tournament.

Somali Police Chief, Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud, who is also the financer of Somalia’s current champions, Heegan FC, added that football is peace and was at the moment very crucial for the country which is emerging from years of conflicts.

The police chief whose Football Club, Heegan FC, represented Somalia in the 2015 CECAFA Kagame Club championship held in Tanzania, said that
continuing football competitions in the country were helpful for the improving security, as so many young people had refrained from violence
and drugs and instead turned their attentions to football.

Somali deputy minister for youth and sports, Osman Aden Dhuubow, told the ceremony that the organization of youth tournaments was showing signs for peace and development in Somalia, adding that Somali government was
jubilant at the continuation of football activities in the country.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com