AIRTEL RWANDA and Rwanda Football Federation signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week, aimed at reinforcing the development of youth football in the country. 

The agreement also launched the second season of the Airtel Rising Stars tournament, which is expected to start in a fortnight. 

Airtel Rising Star tournament, the largest U17 soccer talent hunt in Rwanda, is focused on identifying and nurturing young soccer talent from the grassroots. 

"Our mandate as company is to involve the community in activities that enable them develop skills and live their dream. Airtel Rising Star is a course that is in line with developing Rwandan youth and we want to encourage kids to play football,” Airtel Managing Director Teddy Bhullar explained.

Ferwafa Vice President Vedaste Kayiranga echoed similar views. "We are committed to the development of grassroots football and Airtel’s initiative is a great step in supporting youth development. This definitely shows Airtel’s commitment to Rwanda and we are happy that the tournament is kicking off for the second time, we shall work with Airtel and her partners to develop our football,” Kayiranga said. 

The registration started last week in all the four regions of the country. 

This season will feature 80 teams, 48 boy’s teams and 32 girls teams selected across the country. 

The tournament will be played on grassroots knock out basis, through to the regional finals, which will then culminate into national finals to select the national Airtel Rising Star Champions. The African finals will be held in Gabon in August. 

The best teams from each country will be pitted against each other in the Airtel Africa Championship. The winning teams will receive a total of Rwf8m, which will go towards the players’ education.