FIFA’s global Football for Schools initiative has officially expanded to Suriname, aiming to harness the power of football to foster not only athletic development but also essential social and life skills among young people. The program seeks to support schools in systematically integrating sports to promote personal growth, healthy behaviors, and active citizenship. By teaching students skills such as self-confidence, critical thinking, decision-making, teamwork, and respect, the initiative aligns with the goals of Suriname’s Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS), which views sports as a vital tool for comprehensive youth development. Jason Menso, Deputy Director of Training, Information, and Sports Development at JOS, emphasized the strategic potential of football in education. ‘Football is accessible and immensely popular. It can be strategically used to empower young people, which is precisely what Football for Schools aims to achieve: developing life experiences and competencies through sport,’ he stated. The program focuses on equal opportunities for all youth, including girls, and encourages talent development and societal participation. It also contributes to social cohesion and healthier lifestyles within communities. ‘By placing schools at the center, this program makes sports widely accessible and leverages them as a powerful tool for positive youth development,’ Menso added. A two-day training session for physical education teachers recently commenced at the Owru Cul Sports Complex, preparing them to implement Football for Schools in various schools across Suriname. The training familiarizes teachers with the program’s methodology, practical approaches, and underlying values, enabling them to effectively guide students. According to FIFA, international research demonstrates that Football for Schools helps countries address social and economic challenges through sport, in alignment with sustainable development goals. In Suriname, the program is being executed by the Surinamese Football Association (SVB) in collaboration with FIFA and UNICEF.