Somalia, 17 October 2025 — The Somali Football Federation (SFF) on Thursday launched a tournament aimed at nurturing young football talent and promoting early sports development across the country.
The competition, known as the SFF Grassroot Tournament, was officially inaugurated by SFF President Ali Abdi Mohamed at the Engineer Yarisow Stadium in Mogadishu. The event brings together nearly 400 players under the age of 12 from different districts of the capital.
Organizers say the tournament is designed to strengthen the Federation’s grassroots programs, which focus on providing opportunities for children to play, learn, and grow within a structured football environment. The matches will be held on weekends, Thursdays and Fridays, to encourage participation during school breaks.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Ali Abdi Mohamed said the tournament forms part of the Federation’s ongoing efforts to develop Somali football from the ground up.
“We are delighted to launch a tournament that reflects our mission to identify and nurture young Somali players who can represent the nation in the future,” he said.
The SFF leadership emphasized that the initiative is part of broader efforts to professionalize the game in Somalia by investing in the next generation of players, coaches, and referees.
The Grassroot Tournament also aims to promote sportsmanship, friendship, and community engagement among young players, offering a positive platform for Mogadishu’s children to showcase their skills in a safe and inclusive environment.