Other stakeholders may also be able to contribute to the Football for Schools (F4S) Programme.
It takes a team to build any winning partnership. The F4S Programme requires cooperation between various stakeholders across and within sectors, including but not limited to those listed below.
- Football clubs
The F4S Programme may benefit local football clubs (within member associations) by increasing participation in football and improving the links between schools and clubs. This may result in an increased throughput of players (boys and girls), and it may also result in improved standards of football.
- The broader sport sector
The broader global sport sector may be a valuable partner in supporting the F4S initiative. Stakeholders such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and their relevant associations in each country, can play a vital role. They may also be able to provide logistical and technical expertise.
Other stakeholders in sport are vital – these include the sporting goods industry, other sports federations, professional sportspersons and ambassadors, sport networks and coalitions, etc.
- Civil society
Civil society, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), non-profit organisations and networks, play a critical role in sport and development, and they may also be able to support the F4S Programme.
This includes organisations such as streetfootballworld, a network of over 100 organisations in 78 countries and across six continents that uses football to develop life skills and facilitate social change.
- Academic institutions
Academic institutions, including universities and tertiary institutions, can help to strengthen the measurement and management of the F4S Programme through research, monitoring and evaluation.
Partnerships with academic institutions may provide scientific support to measure and evaluate the impact of the F4S Programme in your region, including the inherent challenges, opportunities and best practices.
- Private sector
The private sector may be able to provide opportunities for additional investment or sponsorship by supporting the F4S Programme, including through corporate social responsibility (CSR) or other forms of support.
- Intergovernmental and regional stakeholders
Intergovernmental agencies can also play a key role, including in relation to the SDGs and sport and physical education. Other important stakeholders may include other UN agencies, such as UN Women, UNICEF, UNDESA, WHO, ILO, UNDP and the Commonwealth Secretariat, regional forums and bodies.
- Local communities
Local communities are also key stakeholders as they are ultimately the beneficiaries of the F4S Programme delivered to their children in their schools and communities.
Local communities can support with buy-in and support, including through local leadership structures. It is vital that communities are given a means to participate and engage freely.