Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says the development of youth football is key to improving the standards of the sport in the country.

Kamanga has since urged academies to tap into the local football governing body’s resolve to develop youth football.

Speaking during the launch of the Zambia Football Championship, a forthcoming tournament for academies that is being organized by Elite Stars Football Academy, the FAZ General Secretary said there are various existing programmes in place that support grass root football.

Kamanga who commended Elite Stars Football Academy for the initiative urged the academy to consider allowing their coaching team to take part in internationally recognized football development courses which are hosted by the association.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Elite Stars Football Academy Chairperson, Timothy Chiyende said the tournament slated for June 29 to June 30 will be for both boys and girls categories.

He explained that the tournament will have different age groups battling it out from the under eights through to the late teenage age range.

And Financial Services International (FSI) Outsourcing Director, Shadreck Banda said the organization is proud to be the sole sponsor of the tournament.