Australian mining firm Base Titanium is partnering with a German sports organisation to improve the quality of football and football facilities in Kwale and across the country.
On Friday a delegation from Younited Centre based in Kenya and Germany met with Base Titanium's officials to discuss possible areas of partnership to nurture youth talents, open up opportunities and improve sports facilities in the region.
The German team was led by former head coach of FC Bayern Seniors and Youth Academy Michael Hilbig and an official Hans Peter.
Base Titanium's government and community relations superintendent Ali Mohammed Masemo said the partnership will promote the scouting of talents and poaching of youth to play in international football leagues and clubs.
"It's a good opportunity that will assist in exposing talents and offer support to youth in realising and growing their sports careers internationally," he said.
He said the programme will focus on youth below 15 years who will receive training and exchange programmes for capacity-building exposure and sharpening of skills.
Masemo said the programme is targeting underage youth because of the demand for young players in the international market.
He said they have at the moment agreed with the partners to form a well-structured agreement and policies that will promote sports investments and the safety and well-being of the children.
"Through the partnership of various government and NGOs we want to formulate a proper framework and legal procedures to regulate the activities of the programme and avoid cases of human trafficking among other vices," he said.
Masemo said the company is engaging with the Football Kenya Federation, county and national government offices to help identify and nurture young talents.
He said Base Titanium has invested more than Sh30 million in sports.
Masemo said the company is committed to supporting young people through sports and ensuring locals benefit from the programme and change lives.
Base Titanium's Football chairman Ahmed Dumila said the company's football programme was designed to combat cases of insecurity, and drugs and substance abuse among youths.
He said the partnership will boost efforts of nurturing youth talents and livelihoods.
Dumila said the level of football is set to improve since local coaches will also be trained on new skills to improve sports at the grassroots through the exchange programmes.
He said the support will not be limited to football only but assist other sporting activities like athletics, volleyball, among others.
Dumila said the programme is also aimed at empowering more girls in sports and advocating equal opportunities.
Younited Centre Kenya managing director Irene Gitaa said the project is scheduled to commence next year and will give birth to a prominent international football academy, which is yet to be constructed in Kwale where youth will be given a platform to showcase and grow their talents.
She said they are working with Base Titanium and engaging other companies to bring more partners on board for the effective implementation of the programme.
Gitaa said the project will in future be launched in other counties.
She said the programme will comprise the improvement of sports facilities, training kits, scouting of talents and establishing networks.
Gitaa said the anticipated sports arena will host international youth teams and spearhead friendly matches within and outside the country.
"Our children will have a platform to showcase talent and join big teams since there will be local and international friendly matches," she said.
She said the training will be categorised between youth of five-10 years and 10-15 years.
Kwale FKF chairman Hamisi Mwakoja welcomed the possible partnership, saying the programme is a game changer for Kenyan football.
He said children will get a rare opportunity to sharpen skills and develop their sports careers.
Mwakoja said the programme will enhance football facilities and the level of soccer in Kwale and the entire country.
He urged youth to keep off drugs and shun age cheating.
Mwakoja said many talented youths cannot progress because of drugs and the forging of birth dates.
