The event brought together 220 children 100 girls and 120 boys  selected from various football academies and grouped under the age categories of Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15.

Organised by FIFA in collaboration with the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), the initiative was attended by President Paul Kagame alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and aims to nurture young talent while instilling a love for football from an early age.

Speaking during the FIFA Football Clinic/Festival held at Amahoro Stadium, Infantino assured children with football talent that FIFA will remain a key partner in helping them grow both on and off the pitch.

“We will continue distributing footballs and providing equipment so that children grow into good people, strong human beings. When you play football, you learn many things you learn to be a person, to prepare yourself to win. You are the future of this beautiful country, Rwanda, and we are here to share good moments with you,” Infantino said.

The FIFA President commended President Paul Kagame for prioritising sports development, particularly through investments in modern infrastructure such as Amahoro Stadium, which he said plays a vital role in identifying and nurturing talent.

Infantino announced that FIFA is distributing 1,000 footballs during the celebrations and revealed plans to construct additional FIFA Arenas in schools across the country, as part of expanded youth-focused programmes.

“Today we celebrate you, we celebrate the children of Rwanda, the children of a beautiful country. We are giving out 1,000 footballs, we will build more FIFA Arenas in schools, and we will continue expanding projects for the children of Rwanda the children of my country,” he said.

He also encouraged young players to value the football itself, describing it as more than just a piece of equipment, but a symbol of hope and opportunity.

“When you see this ball, it may look ordinary, but when you give it to someone, they immediately smile. It is a tool that transforms every child  a happy child becomes a happy person,” Infantino added.

The FIFA Football Clinic/Festival forms part of FIFA’s broader Football for Schools programme, which uses football as a tool to promote education, unity and personal development. Through sustained partnerships with Rwanda, FIFA aims to empower children, strengthen grassroots football and contribute to long-term social impact through sport.