February 21, 2026
Youth Say Football Tournament 2026: Local Teams Unite on National Youth Day
This National Youth Day, ZimDev hosts the inaugural Youth Say Football Tournament—bringing together local teams from across Chitungwiza and beyond for a day of competitive football that celebrates youth talent, teamwork, and community spirit.
On February 21, 2026, as Zimbabwe commemorates National Youth Day under the national theme "Empower Youth, Secure the Future," ZimDev is creating a platform where that empowerment plays out on the pitch. The Youth Say Tournament represents more than just football—it's a celebration of discipline, determination, and the power of sport to unite communities and develop future leaders.
National Youth Day is not just about remembering where we came from—it's about recognizing the power of young people to determine where we're going. The Youth Say Tournament embodies this forward-looking vision.
Tournament Theme: Our Voices, Our Future
This theme embodies the belief that Zimbabwe's youth are not just passive recipients of development but active architects of the nation's destiny. On the football pitch, young players learn leadership, teamwork, and resilience—skills that translate directly into life success. The Youth Say Tournament uses sport as a vehicle for empowerment, creating opportunities for local teams to showcase their talent while building character and community connections.
Tournament Details at a Glance
📅 Date: Friday, February 21, 2026
📍 Venue: ZimDev Empowerment Hub, Chitungwiza
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
🎯 Age Groups: Junior Division (10-14 years) & Senior Division (15-20 years)
Why National Youth Day Matters
National Youth Day, celebrated annually on February 21, honors Zimbabwe's commitment to youth empowerment and recognizes the vital role young people play in shaping the nation's future. With over 67% of Zimbabwe's population under 35 years old, and facing challenges including unemployment rates approaching 48% among youth aged 15-24, this day serves as both celebration and call to action.
Tournament Structure
The Youth Say Football Tournament features multiple competitive elements designed to showcase talent at all levels and create opportunities for both team and individual recognition.
Junior Division (Ages 10-14)
Young footballers showcase their developing skills in fast-paced 7-a-side matches with 30-minute halves. Teams from primary schools and community youth clubs compete in a round-robin format, with top teams advancing to knockout semifinals and finals.
Senior Division (Ages 15-20)
The main event features established local teams in full 11-a-side competitive football with 45-minute halves. Teams from high schools, community clubs, and youth leagues compete for the championship trophy in a tournament that mirrors professional standards.
Skills Challenge (Open to All)
Individual players can participate in skills competitions including penalty shootout, dribbling course, passing accuracy, and free-kick challenge during match intervals. Winners receive special recognition and prizes.
Referee Programme Showcase
Young referees aged 18-25 from ZimDev's EmpowerSports Referee Programme officiate matches, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating the professional standards they've learned through the programme.
Community Fair Play Award
Beyond wins and losses, teams compete for the Fair Play Award, recognizing sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, and positive support from team supporters throughout the tournament.
Competing Teams
The Youth Say Football Tournament brings together the best local youth teams from Chitungwiza and surrounding communities. Teams represent schools, community clubs, and youth organizations, creating a vibrant showcase of local football talent.
Confirmed Participating Teams Include
- Teams from our 11 partner schools across Chitungwiza
- ZimDev EmpowerSports Programme teams
- Community youth football clubs from St Mary's, Hopely, and Chitungwiza zones
- Church and community organization teams
- Independent youth teams from across the region
Registration deadline: February 14, 2026 (teams must register with full squad list)
How Teams Can Register
The Youth Say Football Tournament welcomes teams from across Chitungwiza and neighboring communities. Both established teams and newly formed squads are encouraged to participate in this celebration of local football talent. Registration is completely free for all teams.
Team Registration Process
Step 1: Submit Team Details
Team name, contact person, player list (min 11, max 18 players), age verification
Step 2: Register at the Hub
Visit ZimDev Empowerment Hub with completed forms and player documentation
Step 3: Receive Confirmation
Get tournament schedule, rules, and official team registration package
First 10 registered teams receive official tournament training balls and team water bottles!
Tournament Awards & Recognition
Beyond trophies and recognition, the Youth Say Football Tournament creates opportunities for local teams to compete at a well-organized, professionally managed event with quality officiating, organized scheduling, medical support, and an atmosphere of celebration.
Championship Trophies
Champions and runners-up in both Junior and Senior divisions receive impressive trophies. All players on winning teams receive medals and certificates.
Individual Awards
Golden Boot (top scorer), Golden Glove (best goalkeeper), Player of the Tournament, Best Young Player, and Fair Play Award for exceptional sportsmanship.
Skills Challenge Prizes
Winners of individual skills competitions receive sports equipment prizes including footballs, boots, training gear, and ZimDev sports vouchers.
Talent Scouting
Outstanding players may be identified for advanced training opportunities, potential representative team selection, and recommendations to higher-level clubs.
EmpowerSports Pathways
Top performers earn entry into ZimDev's EmpowerSports advanced coaching programs and Referee Programme for those interested in officiating careers.
More Than Just a Football Tournament
The Youth Say Football Tournament represents a critical component of ZimDev's EmpowerSports programme. It demonstrates our commitment to using sport as a vehicle for youth development, creating pathways from grassroots participation to advanced opportunities. The tournament also showcases our Referee Programme, with young officials gaining real match experience that builds their CVs and opens employment opportunities.
Zimbabwe's youth don't need handouts—they need platforms. The Youth Say Tournament creates exactly that: a stage where local talent can shine, where discipline meets opportunity, and where every young person who steps onto that pitch becomes an architect of their own future.
Building Toward Vision 2030
As ZimDev plans expansion into St Mary's, Hopely, Epworth, Mbare, and eventually a Zambia Hub, the Youth Say Football Tournament will become an annual tradition—a day when local communities come together through the beautiful game. This inaugural event establishes a foundation for youth sports development that combines competition, character building, and community celebration.
Sport provides a unique pathway for young people to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with opportunities. The lessons learned on the pitch—teamwork, discipline, goal-setting, resilience, and leadership—translate directly into life success.
Join Us for a Day of Celebration
Whether as a competing team, individual player in skills challenges, referee gaining experience, volunteer supporting the event, or spectator cheering from the stands, everyone has a role in making the Youth Say Football Tournament a success. Families, community members, and football enthusiasts are invited to spend National Youth Day at ZimDev, watching exciting matches and celebrating the incredible talent in our local youth teams.
Register Your Team for Youth Say 2026
Bring your local team to compete on National Youth Day. Registration is free and open to all youth teams from Chitungwiza and surrounding communities.