Hands across the Mediterranean

By Mark Chaplin

One of UEFA's responsibilities as a continental football confederation is to assist in the development of the game throughout the world. Over recent years, Africa has been the focal point of special attention from the European body.

Biennial celebration
The long-standing co-operation between the two continents moves forward again with the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup, to be played in Turkey from 4 to 11 February. Four Under-17 teams from each continent play in this biennial event which forms part of the overall Meridian Project between Europe and Africa.

African contribution
The Meridian Project was conceived in 1996 as UEFA and its sister confederation CAF (Confédération Africaine de Football) joined forces to examine the possibilities of developing the game in African countries - many of whom have, in return, provided gifted footballers for European clubs over the years.

Priceless experience
While European clubs look for the special brilliance of African players, African football is able to benefit from the widespread experience gathered by the Europe football family in terms of football management, sporting infrastructures and fostering of young footballers.

Special relationship
The relationship between UEFA and CAF has evolved with time, with the Meridian Project proving its worth on a variety of levels through direct UEFA aid and a comprehensive partnership programme between European and African associations.
Every two years, upon the CAF Executive Committee's recommendation, two African countries are selected to benefit from UEFA's direct assistance.

Grassroots
This assistance is managed by UEFA and the projects are co-ordinated with CAF and the two African football associations. The partnership agreements have centred on the grassroots sector, football equipment, friendly games, experience exchange and education. "Co-operation on the whole is aimed at developing youth football in Africa," explained Andreas Kuhn, UEFA's assistance programmes manager, whose team is responsible for administering the Meridian Project activities. "

Positive contribution
The support is sporting, educational and financial, and involves many areas, such as the coaching and medical sectors. And we also offer a playing opportunity every two years through the Meridian Cup. We consider this to be an excellent way of exchanging knowledge and giving European and African youngsters the chance to learn different cultures.

Welcome assistance
"It is pleasing to see how positively the support, such as courses, has been received. It is also interesting from the European side for our instructors, for example, to be able to see and learn about the African way of approaching things."

Showcase tournament
The forthcoming Meridian Cup, in the Aegean region of western Turkey, is the on-field reflection of Euro-African football co-operation. The inaugural tournament in 1997 was held in Portugal, and since then has alternated between European and African venues.

Finals lineup
The tournament is played under a round-robin format, with each team playing four games. This year's European participants are hosts Turkey, 2003/04 European Under-17 champions France, runners-up Spain and third-placed Portugal. Representing Africa are 2003 African Under-17 champions Cameroon, finalists Sierra Leone, third-placed Nigeria and fourth-placed Egypt.

UEFA principles
"It is the meeting of two football worlds," Kuhn said of the Meridian Cup and project. "If you see the wonderful players from Africa playing in the European leagues and championships, it's clear why they deserve our support. It is UEFA's responsibility and philosophy to give such help. We care about football, and we care about others within football." You will be able to follow all of the Meridian Cup action from Turkey here on uefa.com.