CAF conducts first-ever coaching course for female inmates in Sierra Leonne Correctional Centre

Through its Women’s Football Division, CAF is conducting a CAF D License Coaching Course for female inmates at the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre in Freetown, where 30 inmates are undergoing the entry-level coaching course to receive CAF accredited coaching badges to add to their resumes as part of their rehabilitation into society.

The initiative comes as a result of CAF’s newly launched project, “Gender Empowerment Initiative’ which is designed to use football for change and rehabilitation for female inmates on the continent.

The unique programme is pioneered by FIFA & CAF Executive Member, Ms Isha Johansen and is a first in the history of world football where an accredited football course is conducted in a correctional services institution.

‘’As part of our Football For Reform program, we are fulfilling our commitment to provide reintegration opportunities for women. Our aim is to offer them skill training so that they can become self-sufficient when they leave. We are thrilled with the input of CAF's Football Development Department, which has successfully arranged this course.’’, said Johansen.

Speaking at the official opening of the programme on Thursday, 23 November in Freetown, CAF’s Head of Women’s Football, Meskerem Goshime added that the programme was key in not only increasing the number of qualified women coaches but aiding the rehabilitation of inmates through football.

“The CAF Women’s Football Division is on an aggressive drive to empower women’s football through the development of players, coaches, referees and administrators. Each of our programmes includes aspects of discipline and how to carry yourself as a professional. We, therefore, believe that extending such a course to inmates not only increases the pool of coaches on the continent but sees CAF using football to drive social change,” said Meskerem.

The coaching course is set to conclude on Saturday, 02 December, where competent participants who have met all the course requirements will graduate as CAF-accredited youth football coaches.

CAF’s Football For Change falls in line with Johansen’s Gender Empowerment Initiative (FOOTBALL FOR REFORM) using football as a tool for positive social change and rehabilitation of women and girls.

More details about other programmes by the CAF Gender Empowerment Initiative programme will be communicated in due course.