A four-year memorandum of cooperation was signed on Monday between the ministry of education and the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) that will see football introduced in high schools.

The agreement forms part of the UEFA-supported Grassroots Football in Schools programme and was signed by Education Minister Athena Michaelidou and CFA president Charis Loizides.

According to the agreement, the CFA will provide expertise, training and sports equipment to gymnasiums, while physical education teachers will receive training leading to a Grassroots D coaching licence.

Football days and practical sessions will also be organised in schools, delivered by CFA coaches.

The ministry said the initiative aims to integrate sport and education, promoting values such as respect, teamwork, discipline and fair play.

Michaelidou stressed that football can help shape character and social skills while encouraging healthy lifestyles.

She also highlighted that sport must remain a unifying force, not a source of division, adding that the programme promotes zero tolerance for violence and focuses on prevention and education.

Both sides stressed that the initiative aims to build new generation of students who respect opponents, officials and the spirit of sport while developing strong character and social responsibility.