More than 800 young footballers from 22 academies took part in the Football Grassroots Festival 2026, a youth football development initiative organized by Ijabo Ryawe Rwanda in partnership with FERWAFA.

The festival brought together boys and girls aged between 6 and 16 in a celebration of football, learning, participation, and talent development. Designed to promote grassroots football, the event provided young players with an opportunity to showcase their skills, interact with their peers, and experience the joy of the game in a positive and educational environment.

As part of the initiative, participating academies received footballs to support their ongoing training and development programs, reinforcing efforts to expand access to football at the grassroots level.

Representing FERWAFA, the Commissioner in Charge of Competitions, Désiré Niyitanga, praised the continued growth of youth football in Rwanda and encouraged academy leaders, parents, and stakeholders to remain committed to nurturing young talent. He stressed that the children participating in the festival are the future of Rwandan football and highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for them to develop both on and off the pitch.

The Football Grassroots Festival forms part of broader efforts to strengthen youth football across the country by promoting participation, enjoyment, and long-term player development from an early age.