The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has intensified its efforts to protect young African talent with the launch of the #ProtectTheDream initiative. This program aims to combat the exploitation and trafficking of young players.
Football sparks immense passion across Africa, and ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for all players, especially the youngest, is paramount.
Read Also: CAF Secures New Broadcast Partnerships for 2024/25 Interclub Competitions
The #ProtectTheDream campaign focuses on educating and raising awareness about the risks of player trafficking.
It provides young footballers with communication training, promotes health and well-being for both male and female players, and strives to create a safe and supportive environment for all.
This initiative was introduced at the recent CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals in Zanzibar.
The campaign is supported by African football legends such as Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo), Amanda Dlamini (South Africa), and Daniel Amokachi (Nigeria), who will actively participate in raising awareness and combating player trafficking alongside CAF.
#ProtectTheDream is one of several collaborative programs led by CAF to foster a safe environment for young African football talent.
Earlier this year, CAF partnered with Mission 89, an internationally recognized organization dedicated to fighting the exploitation of young athletes.
This partnership resulted in Safeguarding and Anti-Player Trafficking workshops for all 54 Member Associations and Zonal Unions of CAF.
Emmanuel Adebayor praised CAF’s efforts, saying, “Football has proven to be a tool to change lives, including mine, and fake agents have used this knowledge to prey on Africa’s talent.
It is therefore important that CAF, using the power of football, takes such a stand with the launch of Protect the Dream to safeguard the future of African football.”
CAF urges young and senior football players, parents, guardians, and academies across the continent to engage with the educational campaign.
The initiative will be delivered through various formats, including conferences, workshops, videos, podcasts, and other engaging online content, all accessible via CAF platforms.
CAF will soon announce additional collaboration partners who will join the campaign to safeguard the well-being and integrity of African football players.
 has intensified its efforts to protect young African talent with the launch of the #ProtectTheDream){kind=link}