As part of the UEFA Grassroots project, representatives of the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina held a series of meetings with officials from regional, cantonal, and district football associations to present the Grassroots Charter and development plans for the next four-year period.
UEFA has approved a four-year development plan created under the said Charter, emphasizing the importance of implementing the Grassroots programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a special focus on mass participation, inclusivity, and sustainable football development.
Meetings have so far been held in Zenica (Ze-Do Canton FA), Mostar (Herzegovina-Neretva Canton FA), and Trebinje (Regional Football Association Trebinje).
During these meetings, participants were introduced to the core principles and goals of the Grassroots project, as well as planned activities in children’s, amateur, women’s, futsal, and inclusive football, along with child protection in sports.
The meetings were led by FFBiH representatives - Grassroots manager Bojan Aćimović, senior associate for women’s football Ivana Vlaić, and child protection officer Ferid Zimić.
Aćimović said: “We’re pleased with the constructive discussions we had with the regional and cantonal football association representatives. Our goal is to work together on developing Grassroots football through clear guidelines and activities supported by UEFA’s four-year plan. We’re putting special focus on including as many children, women, and vulnerable groups as possible in football activities, and on strengthening safety and educational aspects in working with youth. This is the beginning of a broader and long-term cooperation on the field, where we all contribute to football development in BiH.”
These gatherings represent an important step in maintaining cooperation with local associations and serve as a foundation for the successful application of the Grassroots programme across the country. Upcoming meetings are planned in Banja Luka, Prijedor, Tuzla, Bihać, Orašje, and Goražde.
