Jean-Claude Mbvoumin, a former Cameroonian international who played for clubs like Dunkerque and Boulogne-sur-Mer, is now the president of the association Foot Solidaire. The organization assists young African players facing difficulties and exploitation by unscrupulous agents. In an interview with Afrik Foot, Mbvoumin highlighted the consequences of the economic crisis in Europe on young African players:
- Recruitment in Africa: Mbvoumin expressed concern about the economic crisis leading to Africa becoming a low-cost market for European clubs. He emphasized that recruitment often occurs under obscure conditions, with young players eager to leave regardless of the conditions.
- Foot Solidaire’s Work: Foot Solidaire, an association that celebrates its 12th anniversary in December, focuses on supporting young players. Despite facing financial challenges, the organization has been consistently active in addressing the needs of vulnerable players.
- Challenges Faced by Young Players: Mbvoumin noted that young players are not well-supported, and progress has been slow in addressing their concerns. Obtaining subsidies and support for initiatives like youth championships remains a challenge.
- Extreme Poverty and Lack of Infrastructure: He highlighted the extreme poverty in many African countries and the lack of infrastructure for youth development. Mbvoumin suggested organizing youth championships to retain talent within the continent.
- Need for Better Information: To improve the situation, Mbvoumin stressed the importance of better informing families about European football, explaining the pathways to success, and providing information on the challenges and opportunities.
- Financial Constraints: While some countries lack the financial means to address these issues effectively, Mbvoumin argued that others could make more efforts to support youth development.
- Importance of Education: Lastly, he emphasized the need for education and awareness, stating that families need to be informed about the realities of European football. However, he acknowledged that this can be challenging in situations of extreme poverty.
Foot Solidaire continues its work to support young African players, addressing the complex challenges they face in their pursuit of a football career in Europe.
