- A new Botswana Football Association (BFA) Impact Programme promises to reshape regional football through structured funding, grassroots expansion, youth development, women’s football growth and stronger governance, while tying financial support to measurable performance and accountability
GAZETTE REPORTER
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has launched a comprehensive national framework aimed at transforming football development across the country, introducing a performance-based funding model designed to strengthen Regional Football Associations (RFAs) and improve accountability.
Under the BFA Impact Programme, regional football bodies will no longer receive funding automatically. Instead, they will be required to submit annual development plans, budgets and implementation schedules for approval.
“The purpose of the BFA Impact Programme is not merely to transfer funds to regions,” of regulations seen by this publication state. “Its purpose is to build active and accountable Regional Football Associations; to increase football participation in communities; to strengthen grassroots football, youth football, women’s football and community-based transition pathways.”
The programme divides funding into four categories: a 35% Base Grant for administration and governance, a 50% Development Fund for football activities, a 10% Performance Incentive Fund and a 5% Strategic Intervention Fund.
Grassroots Focus
At the heart of the initiative is a significant push to expand participation at community level.
The programme mandates dedicated investment in grassroots football, youth competitions, women’s football and a newly established U21 Community Football Programme designed to bridge the gap between school football and the senior game.
Forty per cent of all development funding must be directed towards grassroots football, while youth football for Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups will receive 20%.
The BFA says the U21 programme will provide structured opportunities for young people who remain active in football after leaving school but are not yet part of formal club structures.
Performance Rewards
A key feature of the programme is the introduction of a Regional Performance Index (RPI), which will assess regions on participation growth, youth structures, women’s football, talent identification, governance and competition delivery.
Regions scoring between 80 and 100 points will qualify for incentive funding of up to P100,000, while those scoring below 40 points will receive no performance reward.
“Only verified outputs shall be scored,” the regulations state, warning that false reporting, inflated participation figures and misrepresentation will not be tolerated.
Future Infrastructure
The programme also sets a long-term goal of establishing Regional Technical Centres across Botswana to serve as football training hubs, administrative bases and player development centres.
Funding will be released in phases, with regions required to demonstrate compliance, programme delivery and sound financial management before receiving subsequent tranches.
The BFA believes the framework will deepen participation, strengthen governance and create sustainable pathways for player development, positioning regional football as the foundation of the country’s future football success.