A twenty-year commitment to build local capacity

National Football Development Partnerships

A child’s first touch can begin a generation of football.

WUFO funds measurable, documented partnerships between two Member Associations. One with greater development capacity commits to teach and train a smaller association, so that the latter can build lasting football structures of its own.

20 yearsmeasurable partnership

2 associationsa teaching commitment

23.32%founding expenditure reference · US$1,250M

01 · Partnership

How the partnership works

Association sharing expertise

Coaches, educators, referees and technical professionals share methods, training and experience through the documented development plan.

WUFO funds the plan

Eligible expenditure belongs to the dedicated Partnerships budget line and is authorised, recorded and independently audited.

Association building capacity

Its own people and institutions acquire the skills to teach, officiate, organise and sustain participation locally.

02 · Development

From a first ball to a lasting pathway

01 / U6

U6 · before six

Play, movement, coordination, enjoyment and a safe introduction to the ball. No imitation of adult professional competition.

02 / LATER ENTRY

Later childhood and late entry

Training need not stop with children who began in U6. Older children and young people who lacked early access may enter an accelerated development pathway.

03 / CAPACITY

The whole football ecosystem

Player development, coaches, coach educators, referees, technical staff, women’s football, administration and eligible training infrastructure can all form part of a structured plan.

03 · Illustrations

What possible pairings could look like

Illustrative examples only. These are not announced agreements, invitations or commitments by the named associations.