The ministry of Sports and Culture, and that of Education have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate setting up of sports academies in the country early next year.

The deal signed last Friday is part of government efforts to professionalise different sports disciplines.

Under the deal, sports activities will be integrated in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) under the Workforce Development Authority (WDA).

Speaking at the signing, Edward Kalisa, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sports and culture said the partnership is intended to professionalise sports by integrating it in the school curricula.

"After launching this project we expect to make a stride in sports by setting up many sports academies,” he said.

The academies will include EAV-Kabutare that will be teaching football, volleyball will be taught at IPRC south and IPRC-East, basketball will be taught at Musanze Polytechnic, handball-IPRC west, swimming and athletics-IPRC-south and Tennis, cricket at IPRC-south, according to Kalisa.

He explained that the places were selected basing on availability of facilities like play grounds.

Gerome Gasana, the director general of WDA said the academies will admit students who have at least completed 9 years basic education and will undertake three-year training.

The plan is to start with 30 trainees from each sports discipline, according to Gasana.

"We are ready to begin the talent detection this December so that studies could start by early 2016,’’ he added.

The officials said they will be working together with key partners like TVET stakeholders; including private sector and civil society.

Under the deal, the ministry of Sports will avail sports facilities, g a pool of experts, and advocacy while WDA will be coordinating trainings.

The plan is expected to be implemented within two months from the date of agreement.

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