February 12 – A significant milestone for youth development in Bulgaria was reached as the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU), the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) signed a long-term Memorandum of Understanding relating to the subject.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the power of football to foster health, education, and social values within the national school system.
The agreement was officially signed by BFU President Georgi Ivanov, Minister of Youth and Sports Ivan Peshev, and Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev.
The core of this partnership is the implementation of the “Just Play” programme and the FIFA-led international initiative “Football for Schools” (F4S), developed in collaboration with UNESCO.
“This agreement is a vital step toward the sustainable development of sports among children,” said BFU President Georgi Ivanov. “With the support of state institutions, we can reach thousands of children, using football as a tool for upbringing, health, and core values.”
The programme targets children aged 4 to 14, including those with special educational needs and chronic illnesses. A specialised FIFA mobile app will be fully localised into Bulgarian, providing teachers with structured training and educational materials.
Educators will receive professional training to master the methodology for both classroom and extracurricular activities. The BFU will provide all necessary sports equipment, fund the programme’s execution, and organise tournaments to give children a real-match experience.
The three-year memorandum establishes a framework where the Ministry of Education will facilitate the scheme’s promotion within schools, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports integrates the initiative into national physical activity policies.
The partnership focuses on more than just athletics; it is designed to build life skills, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all Bulgarian students. By combining resources and expertise, these institutions aim to use football as a catalyst for positive social change.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at [email protected]