In a continued effort to prioritise player welfare, FUFA has extended its concussion awareness campaign to the U17 Women’s National Team, following a successful session with the senior women’s team, the Crested Cranes.
The initiative, spearheaded by FUFA’s Head of Medical, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe, is not just about education but also about transforming the culture of safety in Ugandan football.
Concussion management in football has long been a critical issue, yet many players and stakeholders remain unaware of the risks and proper response measures.
FUFA’s campaign, aligned with global standards set by WHO and FIFA, aims to change that narrative.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe emphasised that the initiative is being well received by the players, who now recognise the importance of identifying and responding to concussions effectively.
‘They are happy to learn so many new things that make the game safer for players. It is not just about the individual but ensuring that everyone involved in football can see, suspect and protect those affected by concussion, Dr. Apollo explained.
While the campaign has made significant strides with national teams, FUFA is setting its sights on a broader impact. Plans are underway to introduce concussion training to Uganda’s domestic leagues, including the Super League and the Big League, ensuring that players across all levels benefit from increased awareness and safety measures. FUFA will also take the campaign to the non-elite players involved in mass football competitions.
Dr. Ahimbisibwe is confident that as more players, coaches and officials receive training, the level of awareness will significantly improve.
‘Our goal is to reach not just the players and coaches but also fans and parents. Concussions don’t always present immediate symptoms – some signs may appear 72 hours later, meaning those around the player must also be able to identify potential dangers,’ stated Dr.Apollo.
This approach reaffirms the FUFA’s commitment to long-term player welfare. This campaign is more than just a training exercise; it is a shift towards embedding safety consciousness.
By ensuring that all stakeholders – from grassroots to elite football – understand the risks and management of concussions, FUFA is not only protecting the current generation of players but also setting a strong foundation for the future.
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