Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ministry of Sports, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) jointly launched the PSG Academy Rwanda Tour, during which rounds of clinics will bring together young players from the academy and some coaches. READ ALSO: Rwanda, PSG celebrate three years of success, extend partnership A delegation comprising PSG Feminine players Oriane Jean-François and Paulina Dudek, PSG Academy staff, and RDB and MINISPORTS officials gathered at Kigali Marriott Hotel for the official launch of the tour. The tour, which is underway from April 1-6 in Kigali and Bugesera, is set to engage the nation's young athletes and mark a significant milestone for PSG Academy Rwanda, as it expands beyond its established base in Huye District, where it hosts 200 football hopefuls. The tour offers Rwandan promising football talents the chance to train under the guidance of PSG Academy staff and experienced women players from PSG Feminine team. This authentic PSG training experience is steeped in the club's renowned expertise and excellence, providing the next generation of Rwanda's football talent with a unique opportunity to deepen their love for the sport and gain invaluable knowledge from their mentors. The program's inclusivity, welcoming both girls and boys alike, signals a promising future for Rwanda's growing football community. Concurrently, PSG Academy will host a specialized training day catering to nearly 50 coaches from the Rwandan Football Federation. As part of their mission to foster sustainable football development in Rwanda, PSG Academy is launching a comprehensive program that blends theoretical and practical sessions for both boys and girls. These sessions, which encompass both practical training and theoretical education, will facilitate knowledge exchange between the academy and Rwanda’s football community, solidifying PSG Academy’s commitment to the country’s football development. Nadia Benmokhtar, the Director of PSG Academy, said that, “This landmark occasion marks the inaugural outreach of PSG Academy Rwanda beyond its established operations. Since its inception, PSG Academy has witnessed firsthand transformative power of football and knowledge dissemination, particularly among Rwandan youth.” “This inaugural initiative, scheduled to evolve into an annual event, underscores our dedication to engaging with young talent on a broader scale.” PSG Academy Rwanda currently enrolls around 200 children between 6-16 years old, of which 40% are girls. Since its inception, the academy has produced players for the women’s topflight, second division, and third division leagues, as well as for the men’s second division league. “This demonstrates PSG’s commitment to advancing Rwanda’s football landscape, said Zephanie Niyonkuru, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports. The young Rwandan talents of the academy aspire to represent their country at the highest level possible, and we believe that these sessions will inspire them, he added. The PSG Academy Rwanda Tour is more than just a sporting event; it is a cultural experience that fosters deeper ties between the Paris Saint-Germain club and Rwanda. As the PSG players and staff delve into the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, they engage with the local community and participate in immersive cultural activities. Through this exchange, the partnership between PSG and Visit Rwanda not only promotes Rwanda's vibrant tourist attractions but also strengthens the bond between the two nations.
