Forest Green Rovers are excited to announce a brand-new partnership with Malawi-based football academy, Ascent Soccer.

With a base in Malawi and a feeder program in Uganda, Ascent Soccer were founded in 2014 – and have developed an academy with football pitches, classrooms and a gym to expand the opportunities and development of the Malawi’s youth.

They are the only full-time academy football and scholarship program in the country, which delivers global pathways for both boys and girls.

Ascent Soccer’s ambition is to be the greenest football organisation in Africa. Their new green campus, targeted to launch in 2022, aims to teach students about a changing world, while supporting their studies and an understanding towards a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable future.

Henry Staelens, CEO of Forest Green Rovers, said: “We've been speaking with the team at Ascent Soccer for a while now and it's clear that they're passionate about becoming the greenest football organisation in Africa. We will provide all the support they need to achieve this goal - look forward to seeing their progress."

Adrian Bradbury, Co-Founder of Ascent Soccer, said: “It is only through education and an investment in young people that we will be able to change the course of climate action and our environment.

"Forest Green Rovers are showing the world what's possible through football and we're thrilled to have their guidance, support and expertise as we aim to become the greenest football organisation in Africa. Our goal is to transform soccer, scholarship, people and our planet, where it's needed most."