Thirteen Rwandan youth coaches arrived in Madrid on Sunday for a five-day coaching workshop offered by Spanish LaLiga giants Atlético de Madrid, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through the Visit Rwanda initiative.
The coaches who are part of the delegation led by FERWAFA Executive Committee member in charge of women’s football Ms. Nikita Gicanda kicked off the hands-on session today at the club’s iconic Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.
The FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema joined the delegation in Madrid and held discussions with Atlético de Madrid management as both parties continue exploring opportunities for collaboration in football development, coach education, and youth football advancement.
The 13 selected coaches represent different backgrounds within Rwandan football and were chosen to benefit from world-class coaching education designed to strengthen the country’s football development structures.
The coaches include former Amavubi skipper Haruna Niyonzima, Innocent Murwanashyaka, Iragena Oscarie, Joseph Junior Rutagengwa, Nadia Bugenimana, Blaise Itangishaka, Nicolas Hakizimana, Darius Hirwa, Damascène Nsengiyumva, Emmanuel Coman Mugisha, Schadrack Nsengayire, Shema Bravo and Sifa Gloria Nibagwire.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports (MINISPORTS) and the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), is aimed at strengthening grassroots football by equipping local coaches with modern technical, tactical and pedagogical skills aligned with international best practices.
Under the “Training for Coaches Programme,” selected participants will receive structured technical support and season-long mentorship based on the renowned methodology of Academia Atlético de Madrid, one of Europe’s most respected football development institutions.
The programme is designed to build a strong foundation for youth football in Rwanda by developing highly qualified coaches, enhancing player development pathways, and contributing to the long-term competitiveness of Rwandan football at both regional and international levels.