The event, held at Baku Olympic Stadium, aimed to support the development of football in schools, enhance physical education teachers' knowledge and skills, and contribute to the wider use of football in the educational process.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by a member of the AFFA Executive Committee Leyla Khalilova Rzazade, AFFA Deputy Secretary General Elchin Mammadov, Head of AFFA's Social and Environmental Sustainability Department Kifayat Mustafayeva and Head of FIFA's Football for Schools Programme Frank Castillo. The speakers highlighted the importance of the programme, the promotion of football in schools and the role of teachers in encouraging children to participate in sport. Wishing the participants success, the officials noted that such initiatives play an important role in increasing participation in football.
During the theoretical session, Antonio Sanchez and Melvin Mendy, representatives of FIFA's Football for Schools Programme, together with an instructor for AFFA's coaching courses Osman Rahimov provided detailed information about the programme's objectives, implementation principles and use in the educational process.
The Football for Schools mobile application was also presented in detail as part of the theoretical session. Participants learned about its features, its use in the educational process and the opportunities it offers for physical education teachers in their daily work. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the application, which has been translated into Azerbaijani, for planning and organising football sessions.
Interactive discussions were subsequently held with the teachers. Participants exchanged views on making football more accessible and engaging in schools, encouraging children to engage in physical activity and organising training sessions.
In the second half of the day, the seminar continued with a practical session on the pitch. Participants had the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained during the theoretical session and learn about different training exercises and approaches to organising football activities.
The day's activities were also broadcast live to physical education teachers working in the regions.
The seminar is part of the FIFA Football for Schools initiative, implemented through cooperation between FIFA, AFFA and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In addition to supporting the teaching of football in schools, the programme promotes children's physical development, teamwork and social skills.
The programme of events will continue on 29 October with the Boots for All festival at Baku Olympic Stadium.
