CAF launches innovative “Gamechanger Programme” to Strengthen Youth Development Across Africa
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) is pleased to announce the launch of the CAF African Schools Football Championship Gamechanger Programme, an innovative new initiative under the CAF African Schools Football Programme.
The exciting launch coincides with the start of the fourth season of the CAF African Schools Football Championship Zonal Qualifiers currently underway in Banjul, Gambia.
Building on the remarkable success of the CAF African Schools Football Championship — which has already engaged 1.9 million school boys and girls across the continent — the Gamechanger Programme introduces a transformative extension of CAF’s youth development strategy.
The initiative integrates technology, data literacy, and life skills education into the existing football development pathway, ensuring that the programme’s impact extends far beyond the pitch.
The Gamechanger Programme is rooted in the visionary leadership of CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, whose long-term ambition is to create meaningful opportunities for Africa’s youth and to use football as a catalyst for education, empowerment, and leadership development.
Speaking on the launch of the initiative, Ms Sarah Mukuna, CAF Director of Member Associations, said:
“The Gamechanger Programme embodies CAF’s commitment to equipping Africa’s youth with the skills they need for the future. Through technology, data, and financial literacy, we are demonstrating that football is not only a sport — it is a powerful classroom. These young participants are learning teamwork, creativity, discipline and responsibility, preparing them to excel both on the field and as future leaders in their communities.”
The Gamechanger Programme introduces three interactive and specialised workshop streams:
1. Digital Drill Workshop
A dynamic introduction to digital literacy, coding logic and systems thinking, presented through football-inspired analogies. This workshop positions football as an accessible gateway into technology and innovation for young Africans.
2. Young Football Analysts Workshop
A hands-on session equipping young players and community coaches with practical knowledge on how data analytics, match tracking and performance metrics inform modern football. Data collected during school competitions will be shared with CAF Member Associations to strengthen grassroots development strategies and support talent identification frameworks.
3. Winning Wallet Workshop
Delivered in partnership with Afreximbank, this financial literacy module educates young players on budgeting, saving and responsible financial decision-making, using relatable examples from football. The module aims to instil lifelong habits of planning, resilience and foresight.
Since its establishment, the CAF African Schools Football Programme has become a flagship development initiative — progressing from national phases in each Member Association, through Zonal Qualifiers across CAF’s six Zonal Unions, and culminating in the prestigious CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals.
For more on the CAF African Schools Football Championship, visit www.cafonline.com