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The Somali Football Federation launches its first Youth Football Development Center in Baidoa, aiming to nurture young talent, improve coaching, and strengthen the nation’s football infrastructure
Somalia has taken a major step forward in developing its football infrastructure with the opening of its first Youth Football Development Center in Baidoa. This initiative, led by the Somali Football Federation (SFF), is part of a broader plan to establish similar centers across the country. The goal is to nurture young talent, provide structured football training, and create opportunities for aspiring players to advance into professional football.
Baidoa, located 246 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, was selected as the starting point for this national project. The center will focus on training young players between the ages of 9 and 16, combining football education with formal schooling. By integrating academics and sports, the SFF aims to develop well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the field.
“To develop competitive footballers, we must invest in young players early,” said SFF President Ali Abdi Mohamed during the launch event. “This center is not just about football; it’s about shaping future leaders and role models.”
The SFF plans to expand this initiative by setting up similar academies in all federal member states, using Baidoa as a model for future centers. As part of this effort, the federation has also introduced a CAF License D coaching course for 30 young coaches. This initiative aims to ensure that young players receive high-quality training from qualified professionals.
“The foundation of great football lies in proper coaching,” said Ahmed Ali Hassan, chairman of the South West State Football Association. “By training skilled coaches, we can ensure that every region has the expertise needed to develop young players effectively.”
In addition to investing in youth development, the SFF is working towards improving leadership and governance within Somali football. In a move to promote unity and collaboration, President Mohamed has appointed his former election opponent, Wiish Yabarow, as chairman of the SFF Referee Committee.
Yabarow, a former international referee, had previously led the referee department but stepped down in 2022 to contest the SFF presidency. His election battle against Mohamed even reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where he ultimately lost his appeal. Despite their past rivalry, Yabarow’s appointment signals a shift toward reconciliation and stability within Somali football governance.
“Football is built on competition, but respect and teamwork must follow,” Mohamed stated. “On the pitch, teams compete fiercely for 90 minutes, but at the final whistle, they shake hands. That same spirit should guide our leadership.”
With Yabarow’s experience as both a referee and administrator, the SFF hopes to bring much-needed reform and consistency to Somalia’s officiating system. Strengthening refereeing standards is a key step in improving the credibility and professionalism of domestic competitions.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s U-17 national team is making strides on the international stage as they prepare for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The young Ocean Stars secured their place in the tournament by finishing third in the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers, marking their second consecutive appearance at AFCON.
A strong performance in Morocco could bring Somalia closer to a historic milestone—qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where a record 10 African teams will compete from November 5-27, 2025. This would be a significant achievement for Somali football and a testament to the progress made through grassroots development initiatives.
Despite ongoing challenges such as political instability and a lack of adequate sports infrastructure, Somalia is making steady progress in building a stronger football culture. The structured approach taken by the SFF—focusing on youth development, coaching education, and governance reforms—sets the stage for a more organized and competitive football ecosystem in the country.
With continued investment and commitment, Somali football has the potential to rise on the international stage, offering young athletes a chance to shine and inspiring future generations to pursue the sport at a professional level.