The Rwanda Football Federation, FERWAFA, recently organized a Women's Club Licensing Workshop in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA. The workshop, which took place from September 18 to 20, 2026, aimed to educate club administrators on the necessary requirements for participating in upcoming women's football competitions. The event was officially opened by FERWAFA's interim president, Me. Gasarabwe Claudine.
The workshop brought together leaders of women's football clubs participating in the top two divisions of Rwandan women's football, namely the Women's Super League and the Women's Championship. Experts from FIFA, including José Andrés Portabella and Livingston, who is the current head of the club licensing department at FIFA, facilitated the training sessions. The workshop focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of club administrators to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
During the workshop, participants received comprehensive guidance on the licensing process, including the essential criteria and standards required for club participation. The training covered various aspects, such as team management, finance, and infrastructure, to ensure that clubs meet the necessary requirements. By acquiring this knowledge, club leaders can effectively prepare their teams for the upcoming season.
The Women's Super League and Women's Championship are scheduled to kick off on October 30 and November 1, 2026, respectively. As part of the licensing process, clubs must meet specific requirements to be eligible for participation. The workshop provided a platform for club leaders to clarify any doubts and understand the expectations of FERWAFA and FIFA.
The partnership between FERWAFA and FIFA reflects the ongoing efforts to develop and improve women's football in Rwanda. By investing in the education and training of club administrators, the two organizations aim to enhance the overall quality and competitiveness of women's football in the country. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the growth and development of women's football in Rwanda.
The workshop is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the governance and management of women's football clubs in Rwanda. By ensuring that clubs meet the required standards, FERWAFA and FIFA can promote a more professional and sustainable approach to women's football. This, in turn, is expected to increase participation, improve performance, and enhance the reputation of Rwandan women's football.
The successful completion of the workshop marks an important milestone in the development of women's football in Rwanda. As the new season approaches, clubs are now better equipped to meet the licensing requirements and compete at the highest level. FERWAFA and FIFA will continue to work together to support the growth and development of women's football in Rwanda.
Key points
- FERWAFA and FIFA collaborated to conduct a Women's Club Licensing Workshop for Rwandan women's football clubs.
- The workshop aimed to educate club administrators on licensing requirements and regulations.
- The Women's Super League and Women's Championship are set to kick off on October 30 and November 1, 2026, respectively.
