The FA’s Chairman, Geoff Thompson, signed an agreement with CAF President Issa Hayatou in April 2000 committing The FA to an assistance programme for Africa.
The focus of the agreement was 4 workshops covering the key areas of Effective Administration, Strategic Planning for Coaches, Refereeing and Marketing.
The latter two are scheduled to be delivered in 2004 in Mali and in Ethiopia, with each CAF national association invited to send a representative.
The FA is also a leading protagonist in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Project which partners European national associations with African federations, and England specifically with Botswana, Lesotho and Malawi in southern Africa. The FA’s work focuses primarily on providing assistance in the fields of referee instruction, technical development and football administration as well as donations of kit and equipment..
Botswana
Advanced Referees course conducted by Derek Bray and Vernon Crew in 2000.
Administration Workshop in Gaborone, led by FA Vice Chairman Ray Kiddell, trainers Mark Ives and Peter Kay, co-ordinated by International Relations Manager Kim Fisher in 2001.
National U20 Team Training Camp at Keele in 2001.
Sponsored places in the annual FA International Coaching LIcence course and FA International Course for Referee Instructors in England.
Botswana boosted by Yugoslav appointment
FA strengthens African bond
FA means business in Botswana
Botswana business in Soho Square
Cameroon
The FA sponsored a VSO Community Sports Project 2000-2001.
The FA sponsored 2 places on the FA International Coaching Licence Course for the coaches of the eventual winning team of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
Egypt
English experts travel to Egypt
Kenya
The FA sponsored a girls football project – Moving the Goalposts in Kilifi, Kenya - 2000-2003.
The FA in Kenya
FA backs amnesty
Girl Power in Kenya
Football aids Lamu
Lesotho
Referee courses conducted by Derek Bray and Vernon Crew in 2001 and attended by Gary Mabbutt MBE.
IT and Administration Training conducted by BESO in 2001.
Administration Workshop for LEFA, club and league representatives conducted by FA Planning and Training experts in 2002.
Sponsored places in the annual FA International Coaching LIcence course and FA International Course for Referee Instructors in England.
The FA sponsors the library in the new office Headquarters funded by the FIFA Goal Project.
Malawi
The FA supported a VSO project in Malawi in the northern area of Malawi in 2000.
Stadium Consultant from Sport England, David Payne, visited Malawi in 2001 to make recommednations on plans for a new sports complex.
FA Referee courses conducted by Derek Bray and Vernon Crew in 2001.
Administration Workshop in Lilongwe, led by FA Vice Chairman Ray Kiddell, trainers Mark Ives and Peter Kay, co-ordinated by International Relations Kim Fisher in 2001.
Donation of computer and IT equipment IT & office infrastructure training for FA staff by BESO volunteers in 2001.
Sponsored places in the annual FA International Coaching LIcence course and FA International Course for Referee Instructors in England.
Gillett takes Malawi reigns
Malawi prepare for United
'Warm heart of Africa' comes to England
FA strengthens African bond
Nigeria
The Football Association supports the British Council Community Action Through Sports (CATS) project.
From tragedy to hope
The Global Game
Somalia
Somali's make worthwhile visit
South Africa
The Football Association has developed good relations with the South African FA since the anomosity of the 2006 bidding. The closer relations were highlighted when England played South Africa in a friendly in Durban in 2003.
The FA Ambassadors team played a goodwill match in Durban in June 2001 to raise funds for the families of the victims of those who died in the Ellis Park Stadium disaster. The FA also advised SAFA officials and reresentatives of the judicial enquiry into the disaster.
Ambassadors visit President
Mandela meeting confirmed
FA hosts South African delegation
Waddle and co turn back clock
South African Sports Minister visits
FA Ambassadors the talk of the township
Ambassadors set for African mission
Extending the hand of friendship
Sudan
FA Coach Colin Morris conducted a Coach Educators Course in Khartoum funded by the British Council and Forign & Commonwealth Office. He also worked with young offenders to build team skills at a local reformatory and visited the Khartoum SOS Children’s Village (2002).
Uganda
John Baker and Tony Rock conducted a referees course in the Kingdom of Buganda, part-funded by the Buganda Sports Pilot Project.
Gulu success
Boost for Uganda
You can visit the CAF website at www.cafonline.com
CAF links
FA to share expertise at ref's seminar
Media seminar in Trinidad
Coaching the coaches in Africa
FA backs amnesty
Chairman in Tunis
Lagos hosts FA workshop
Hayatou: Lessons can be learned from England
Africa close to FA's heart