Iraqi grassroots game gets helping hand

London, FootballAsia.com

The British government is to lend a helping hand to the Iraq Football Association as they look to rebuild grassroots football in their war-torn nation.

Working together with the English and Iraqi FAs, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw launched the 'Football United' inititive on Wednesday which will provide training courses and local tournaments for budding Iraqi footballers.

'Football is by far the most popular sport in Iraq,' said Straw in a statement. 'This is a wonderful opportunity to assist with the development of youth football in Iraq and to lay the foundation for continued and stronger ties between the British and Iraqi sporting communities.”
According to Reuters, four Iraqi coaches have completed the English FA's international coaching course, which should be of great benefit to talented young players in the Middle Eastern nation.

Source: FootballAsia.com