In a testament to dedication and commitment, Namibia Football Association’s FIFA Connect Coordinator, Lydia Hatzenberg, achieved the highest distinction by graduating at the pinnacle of the FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Sport Diploma, on the 25th of October 2023 at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
The FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Sport Diploma stands as a milestone in FIFA’s mission to enhance and professionalize the role of safeguarding officers within the football community, in the federations’ commitment to instil child and adult safeguarding and child protection standards throughout the world of football.
This commitment comes as a response to the need to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved in football, through providing invaluable educational resources designed to promote safeguarding practices across the 211 member associations (MAs) of FIFA.
Over the course of two and a half years, participants in the program undertook an intensive journey of learning, combining a comprehensive curriculum that included courses, forums, webinars, assessments, and hands-on workshops.
Speaking to NFA Media, Hatzenberg said the event marked a major stepping-stone in her career.
“I’m honoured to be part of this great initiative. Working with players, mostly girls in various regions in Namibia as part of the NFA/UNICEF Galz and Goals project, I guarantee that this qualification represents an important step towards ensuring that football remains a safe and inclusive sport for everyone.”
Committed to ploughing back, Hatzenberg said “The knowledge and experience gained throughout the program will be used to contribute towards the betterment of our football community, and most importantly, ensure the protection of football’s most important members- the players.”