The Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) Foundation, Enugu, has taken another significant step in its sports development journey by launching a School Football Referee Club for children and young persons as part of its ongoing Sports Intervention Initiative and Framework.
The event, which took place at the Therapeutic Inclusive School in Enugu, South-East Nigeria, marks a new milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to use sports as a tool for education, inclusion, and empowerment.
Speaking during the flag-off, the Chairman of the RIFC Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, expressed appreciation to key partners, including the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association (Enugu State Chapter), Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO), Genehen Global Care Foundation, and the Enugu State Football Referees Association, among others, for their collaboration and support.
Coach Amaraizu noted that the establishment of the School Football Referee Club was a timely and necessary step toward helping children develop versatility, a deeper understanding of football beyond scoring goals, and an appreciation for the rules and discipline that govern the game.
“This initiative will help the children become well-rounded, knowledgeable about football as a game, and interested in the art of officiating. It also gives them a head start while they are still young,” he said.
“Football is not just about kicks and goals — it also depends on those who ensure compliance with the laws of the game. This framework is designed to promote the growth, development, and sustainability of football, while creating life-changing opportunities for children and young persons,” he added.
Kicking off the referee training classes, Mr. Patrick Nworie, a retired Nigeria Premier League referee and current General Secretary of the Enugu State Football Referees Association — popularly known as “The Great Mancha” — commended the RIFC Foundation for initiating such a transformative program.
He applauded the enthusiasm of the participating children and emphasized the crucial role of referees in football.
“No football match can take place without an appointed referee,” Nworie said, as he introduced the children to the basics of football, the art of officiating, and the qualities required to become a good referee.
His engaging delivery elicited excitement and curiosity from the young participants, who were eager to learn more about the profession.
It will be recalled that the Therapeutic Inclusive School had earlier established Chess and Taekwondo Clubs for both children with and without special needs — initiatives also supported under the RIFC Foundation’s sports intervention framework aimed at inclusion and sustainability through sports.
