Ijabo Ryawe Association has confirmed that the U13 League will start in July and end in December. The youth league is part of a broader campaign to encourage more children, both boys and girls, to play football.

According to the president of Ijabo Ryawe Association, Sheikh Hamdan Habimana, the tournament will involve all youth teams around the country and they will cover sectors, districts, provinces and end at the national level.

"We need to engage many young players in this league and also to have as many youth competitions as possible, which would provide a large pool of talented players in future. I am here to put things right and I will do it with passion,” said Habimana, who was elected unopposed a fortnight ago.

The former Mukura VS secretary general added that, "Having many competitions will help to raise the level of our football and competitiveness. The objective of starting a youth league is to see more youth playing football.”

The U-13 league will attract players who were born after January 2004. The championship will be played for five months across the country. The U-13 league will be the source of players for the U-15 and U-17 teams, according to Sheikh Habimana.

Ijabo Ryawe Association will work with Sport Scolaire Federation in staging the U-13 league with a view of selecting the best talented players, especially in schools. They will work closely with National Olympic Committee (RNOC), FERWAFA and the Ministry of Sports and Culture.

The league will attract all first and second division junior clubs as well as training centers. After the qualification round, each district will be represented by two clubs.

FIFA provides support to member associations implementing the campaign of the youth project in order to help in branding, communications, concept development and financial assistance.

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