Stage set for U13 championship in Nakuru

The inaugural National U-13 Football Championship will be played at the Nakuru Athletic Club this weekend.

Football Kenya Federation communications manager Barry Otieno on Thursday said six sides - representing Nairobi, Rift Valley, Nyanza, Western, Central and Coast regions have confirmed participation.

The Championship is a culmination of a successful start to the 2016 FKF U-13 leagues, which have been played over the last three months in 43 FKF sub-branches, and attracted a record 16,789 players representing 1,348 clubs.

(READ: Coast Under-13 side set for residential training)

(READ: Kenyan clinic will yield stars: Southampton coach)

Moreover, a provisional squad of 34 players will be selected to compete in an international junior football tournament in Southampton, England come August.

"I am hoping my team wins the championship so that we go and play football in England," Central region captain Mike George, a defensive midfielder, who also is a candidate at Ndararua primary school, told Nation Sport.

"This initiative, a first in the history of Kenyan football, has also made it possible for the federation to create the much needed player passports, key in not only abating age cheating but also ensuring that club benefit from training, solidarity and transfer fees," added Otieno.

FKF is banking on this tried and tested venture, which has benefited successful football nations such as Brazil, Germany, Holland, France and Brazil will not only provide the much needed platform to expose young players to international football, but will also aid in their development and the long term success of the sport.