The Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) has hosted a workshop on access and inclusion to celebrate the CAFE Week of Action 2016.

The event was attended by representatives of all Premier League clubs in FYR Macedonia, as well as representatives from Mobility - the national association of disabled people. The Macedonian Olympic Committee were also in attendance.

FFM President Ilcho Gjorgjioski opened the workshop, saying "It is our pleasure to associate with former great athletes, our friends from Mobility and our dear colleagues from the Macedonian Olympic Committee. This collaboration opens a new door to inter-institutional cooperation between us and disabled people in our country, to become aware of their requirements, and improve our ability to respond to them".

Filip Popovski, the FFM General Secretary, added "The FFM will provide any support for creating equal opportunities for all in the football world, regardless of gender, religion, national origin or disability. We will try to implement the inclusion of disabled people on several levels, starting with improving the infrastructure of stadiums, training and activities within the federation and all clubs. The mission of the FFM is to attract, keep and nurture diversity to maintain the football game and the joy that it brings".

During the workshop, Irena Bakrevska Miloshevska of the FFM International Department delivered a session on the responsibilities of the Disability Access Officer. This role was enshrined in UEFA Club Licensing criteria in July 2015.

Irena said, "We hope in the near future to improve the infrastructure of stadiums so that more disabled people can attend live sporting events. We're sending a message that access and inclusion of disabled people is very important".

Following the workshop, teams from Mobility and the Macedonian Olympic Committee held a football match, which ended in an exciting 5-5 draw.

CAFE would like to thank the FFM for their great support and we look forward to continued cooperation.

The FFM is celebrating the CAFE Week of Action 2016 and further activities are scheduled to take place. Keep checking www.cafefootball.eu for more news and information.

Published 07/04/2016