A schools football tournament kicked off in Kismayo this week, bringing together boys' and girls' teams from secondary schools across the region for two weeks of matches.The opening games drew large crowds of students, parents and teachers, who lined the edges of the pitch waving school colours. Organisers said the tournament was designed to promote teamwork and healthy competition between schools.<h2>Grades count too</h2>Under the tournament rules, players must keep up their attendance and grades to stay eligible, a condition teachers say has motivated students in the classroom as well as on the pitch. "If you miss lessons, you miss matches. The students know the rule and they respect it," said a head teacher whose school entered two teams.Girls' teams are taking part for the first time in several schools, and their matches have drawn some of the loudest support. A coach of one girls' side said many of her players had only started training a few months ago but were improving quickly.Local referees are volunteering their time to officiate the matches, and some are using the tournament to mentor older students interested in becoming referees themselves. Organisers say this helps build skills that the region's football community needs.Scouts from local clubs are expected to attend the later rounds. The final will be played at the city's main stadium, with medals for the winning teams and awards for fair play.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

A schools football tournament has kicked off in Kismayo, bringing together boys' and girls' teams from across the region for two weeks of matches.

Schools football tournament kicks off in Kismayo with teams 

Teachers say the competition rewards students who keep up their grades as well as their skills on the pitch.

Schools football tournament kicks off in Kismayo with teams from across the region

Before sunrise each morning, groups of teenage runners gather on the edge of Hargeisa to train on dirt roads and school fields, preparing for a regional athletics meet later this month.The athletes, many of them still at secondary school, run long distances on the hills outside the city and return for speed work on a rough track marked out with stones. Girls and boys train side by side under the watch of volunteer coaches.<h2>Talent, but few facilities</h2>One coach, a former runner who now teaches physical education, said the region has no shortage of talent. "These young people run to school every day. What they need is a proper track, good shoes and enough food to recover," he said. Some athletes share a single pair of spikes between them on race days.Parents said running has given their children discipline and confidence, and several said they had seen improvements in school attendance among those who train regularly.Local businesses have begun to help in small ways. A shop owner donated water and bananas for weekend sessions, and a tailor offered to make matching club vests so that the runners can compete in the same colours at the meet.The coaches hope that strong performances at the meet will attract support from sponsors and the athletics federation, and that the best runners will be invited to national training camps.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Young runners in Hargeisa are training at dawn on dirt roads and school fields ahead of a regional athletics meet, hoping to earn national places.

Young runners train at dawn in Hargeisa ahead of regional at

Coaches say talent is plentiful but proper running tracks, shoes and nutrition remain in short supply.

Young runners train at dawn in Hargeisa ahead of regional athletics meet

Dekedda and Gaadiidka are preparing for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Somali league season, with the two sides due to meet in Mogadishu this weekend.Both clubs have been training twice a day, with early-morning sessions to avoid the midday heat. Supporters have been gathering at the training grounds to watch, and tickets are expected to be in high demand.<h2>Coaches expect an open game</h2>Dekedda's coach said his side would look to keep possession and press high. "We respect Gaadiidka, but we want to play our own game and give the fans something to enjoy," he said. Gaadiidka's coach said his young squad had grown in confidence in recent weeks and would look to strike on the counter-attack.Several players from both teams are expected to be watched by national team staff, who have been attending league matches to assess form ahead of upcoming international fixtures.Both clubs have also been working with their youth sections, and a few teenagers have trained with the senior squads this week. Supporters say the rise of young local players has added fresh energy to the league and brought new fans to the stands.Match organisers have asked fans to arrive early, follow stewards' instructions and avoid bringing bottles into the stadium. Local radio and online channels will carry live commentary for supporters who cannot attend, including fans following from abroad.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Dekedda and Gaadiidka are preparing for a key Somali league clash in Mogadishu this weekend, with both coaches promising an attacking game.

Dekedda and Gaadiidka prepare for key Somali league clash in

Both sides have been training twice a day and expect a big crowd at the stadium for one of the season's most awaited fixtures.

Dekedda and Gaadiidka prepare for key Somali league clash in Mogadishu

The national football team is holding intensive training sessions this week ahead of Saturday's friendly match.The coach said the squad is in good shape and has been working on defensive organisation and ball movement. Fans are expected to fill the stadium, while supporters abroad will follow online.This is demo content for testing the Warar website. It is not a real news report.

Somalia's national football team is stepping up training ahead of Saturday's friendly, with fans at home and in the diaspora hoping for a strong result.

National team steps up training ahead of Saturday's match

The coach says players are in good shape and focused on defence.

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