Foundation launches schools programme

The Lineuper Foundation has launched "One Line-up", a schools programme that will bring players, coaches and academy graduates into 40 schools across Tbilisi and the surrounding region during the 2026/27 academic year. The first session took place on Friday at Public School No. 51 in Saburtalo.

What the programme offers

Each school receives eight sessions over the course of a term. Every session combines 45 minutes of football skills with a short classroom discussion on a topic chosen by teachers: fair play, teamwork, nutrition, handling defeat, or how to cheer without insulting.

Programme in numbers

• 40 partner schools, more than 6,000 pupils aged 8 to 14
• 320 sessions delivered by 18 club coaches and 12 players
• Free kit bags and balls for every school, funded by the foundation
• Tickets to a home match for every class that completes the programme

A child who learns to lose well becomes an adult who wins well. That is what we want to teach.

Who is involved

Goalkeeper Nika Tsereteli led Friday's opening session and spent twenty minutes answering questions about his first save. "A boy asked me whether I ever get scared," he said afterwards. "I told him I am scared every time, and I do it anyway. I think he liked that."

The programme is supported by the Tbilisi education department, which has designated one teacher per school as a coordinator, and by three of the club's main partners, who are covering 70 per cent of the costs.

How schools can join

Applications for the spring term open on 1 November. Schools interested in taking part can write to the foundation at info@fclineuper.ge. Priority will be given to schools without a dedicated sports hall. Club president Nino Lomidze said: "Every child should be able to say that they once played with a real footballer."