ANAFOOT: Nurturing Cameroon's Football Future

History and Establishment

ANAFOOT (Académie Nationale de Football) was established in 2014 by presidential decree as part of Cameroon's strategy to revitalize its football sector. The academy was created to address the declining performance of Cameroonian football on the international stage and to systematically develop young talent.

Organizational Structure

Leadership

PCA (Chairman of the Board): was  Issa Hayatou 

Director General: Carl Enow Ngachu

Deputy Director General: Jules Eloy Mindjeme

Regional Centers

ANAFOOT operates 10 regional poles across Cameroon, ensuring nationwide coverage and equal opportunity for talent discovery.

Training Programs
Dual Focus: Sport and Education

ANAFOOT's programs are designed to develop players holistically:

Football Training:

Technical skills development

Tactical understanding

Physical conditioning

Mental preparation

Academic Education:

Ensures players continue their regular schooling

Promotes the importance of education alongside sports

Age Groups

Primary focus on ages 8-16

Specialized programs for different age brackets

Talent Identification Process

Registration: Open call for young players across the country

Initial Screening: Local coaches and scouts identify promising talents

Regional Trials: Selected players participate in regional assessment camps

Expert Evaluation: Panel of former players and coaches assess technical and tactical abilities

Practice Matches: Formation of teams for competitive evaluation

Final Selection: Best performers are offered spots in the academy

Scholarship Program

Annual scholarships awarded to exceptional student-athletes

Covers both academic and football training expenses

Aims to remove financial barriers for talented youth

Partnerships and Collaborations

Orange Cameroun: Provides financial support and exposure for young talents

Ministry of Sports: Offers technical supervision and guidance

Ministry of Finance: Oversees financial management and funding

Local Football Clubs: Facilitates player placement and competitive opportunities
Impact and Achievements
Player Development:

Over 5,000 young players trained since inception

Approximately 30 players placed in Cameroon's elite leagues

National Team Contributions:

Several graduates selected for youth national teams

Representation in U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers

Educational Success:

High graduation rates among student-athletes

Promotion of balanced development in sports and academics

Community Impact:

Creation of football hubs in various regions

Increased interest and participation in youth football

Challenges and Future Directions

Infrastructure Development:

Continuous improvement of training facilities across regional centers

Investment in modern equipment and technology

Expanding Women's Football:

Increased focus on developing female players

Creation of specialized programs for girls

International Partnerships:

Exploring collaborations with foreign academies and clubs
Facilitating international exposure for top talents
Coaching Development:

Regular training and certification programs for coaches

Attracting experienced international coaches for knowledge transfer

ANAFOOT's comprehensive approach to youth development in football is gradually reshaping Cameroon's football landscape. By combining rigorous athletic training with quality education, the academy is not only producing skilled footballers but also well-rounded individuals prepared for success both on and off the pitch.