Zanaco FC Concludes Three-Day Under-17 Grassroots Soccer Trials

Zanaco Football Club has successfully concluded a three-day Under-17 grassroots soccer trial for both boys and girls, as part of efforts to identify and nurture young football talent across the country.

The trials, which were held at Sunset Stadium, attracted young players from various parts of Zambia and followed the launch of the Zanaco Grassroots Under-17 Tournament in August last year. 

The initiative is aimed at strengthening youth football development and creating opportunities for young players to progress into professional football.

Speaking after the trials, Zanaco FC Chief Executive Officer Chansa Chimpinde emphasized the importance of grassroots football, describing it as a vital foundation for the growth of the sport.

Chimpinde said grassroots programs provide a clear pathway for young players to transition into elite and professional football, while also instilling discipline and essential life skills at an early age.

Meanwhile, Zanaco Bank Head of Communications Kyembe Kyalusanza reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth and sports development through continued investment in the tournament.

Kyalusanza said the Zanaco Grassroots Under-17 Tournament is designed to support sports development in schools, identify young talent, and help aspiring footballers achieve their dreams.

“As a bank, we remain deeply committed to putting our communities first by investing in the Zanaco Grassroots Under-17 Tournament. We are helping to actualize the dreams of young people while uplifting national sport and contributing meaningfully to the growth of football talent in the country,” she said.

She further noted that education and sports play a critical role in shaping disciplined, ambitious, and well-rounded young people, adding that the vision behind the tournament is already beginning to take shape.

Kyalusanza also revealed that preparations are underway for a bigger and more impactful edition of the tournament, with Zanaco Grassroots 2026 set to be launched soon.

She said dates for the next tournament will be announced in due course, expressing confidence that competition levels will continue to improve.

She praised the quality of teams that participated in the recent trials and thanked the Ministry of Education, through the Zambia Schools Sports Association, for its partnership and unwavering support in advancing school sports and youth development.