September 3, 2020.
The information was prepared by Toms Ārmanis, Head of the Communication Department of the Latvian Football Federation.
On Thursday, September 3, the management of the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) met with the Minister of Education and Science of Latvia Ilga Šuplinskas to discuss the development of football in Latvia.
LFF President Vadim Lashenko, LFF Vice-Presidents Olafs Pulks and Sergejs Kovalevs, as well as LFF Board Member Nauris Mackevičs visited the Ministry.
The LFF management presented the ministers responsible for sports with the Latvian football development strategy for the coming years, data on the importance and popularity of football in Latvia, as well as a study on the impact of football on the Latvian economy. The LFF informed about the football development programs that are currently being implemented in cooperation with the international federations FIFA and UEFA, as well as the state and municipalities. The work already done and planned by the LFF to increase the availability of football infrastructure at comprehensive schools was also highlighted.
“Thank you to the Minister for finding an opportunity to meet with the new management of the LFF. We outlined our work strategy, plans and intentions. In our conversation, we could feel that the Minister was also interested in football. She said that she had also participated in football. I. Šuplinska is the Minister of Sports, and also during our meeting she confirmed that she is in good sports shape, “V. Lashenko pointed out. “Such communication is important to increase our understanding of the role of football in the Latvian mass sports and professional sports system, as well as to strengthen our wide opportunities for cooperation. We are committed to making cooperation with the Ministry even closer.”
LFF representatives told I. Šuplinskas about the cooperation implemented in recent years with the Ministry of Education and Science in the football school accreditation system, which provides remuneration to coaches, as well as about football class projects implemented by several clubs. Particular emphasis was placed on enriching dual career opportunities and the added value of such programs, as football academies track students’ progress by training them in the basics of refereeing and coaching.
I. Šuplinskas was one of the first to have the opportunity to learn about the latest LFF initiative, implementing a special project this school year that will increase the opportunities for pre-school students to play sports and enrich their understanding of a healthy lifestyle with the help of football.
I. Šuplinska expressed interest in attending a football event in the near future. The management of LFF called for a visit to one of the football academies in order to get acquainted in more detail with the current operation of football schools in Latvia.
During the meeting, in memory of I. Šuplinska, he received a shirt of the new design of the Latvian national football team with the number 13, which the Minister considers to be his lucky number.
Edgars Severs, Director of the Sports Department of the Ministry of Education and Science, and his deputy Anda Mičule also took part in the conversation, to whom LFF representatives expressed personal gratitude for their involvement and support in bringing a number of issues important to Latvian football and sports
Additional information:
Toms Armanis,
Latvian Football Federation
Head of Communication Department
Phone: +371 26549069
E-pasts: [email protected]
Address: Grostonas Street 6b, Riga, LV-1013
