Rundu: Julinho Athletic FC has been named one of only two winning clubs in the final strategic project assessment of the FIFA Essential Courses in Club Management, African edition. The Rundu-based club received recognition for its project, 'Building a Sustainable Football Development Model in Namibia', which FIFA commended for its strategic clarity, feasibility, and potential impact on club management.According to Namibia Press Agency, the only other club to receive the distinction was Ubombo Sugar FC of Eswatini. In a statement shared with Nampa, Julinho Athletic FC representative Norton Luis said the recognition demonstrated that Namibian football could compete not only on the pitch, but also in football administration, strategic planning, and long-term development.'This is a proud moment for Julinho Athletic FC, for Rundu, and for Namibian football. To be named among only two winning projects across the FIFA Essential Courses in Club Management African edition shows that Namibian football has ideas, vision, and leadership that can stand on an international platform,' he said.Julinho Athletic FC forms part of the broader Julinho Athletic Group, chaired by Miguel Hamutenya, while Anibal Do Rego serves as the group's chief executive officer. 'The award-winning project reflects a wider vision of creating a sustainable football ecosystem capable of developing young players, establishing talent pathways, and strengthening communities,' Luis said.The initiative focuses on key areas including youth development, governance, women's football, futsal, coach education, commercial sustainability, infrastructure, and community impact. As part of the recognition, representatives of the two winning clubs have been invited to attend the graduation session of the FIFA Diploma in Club Management and the Players Executive Programme in Miami during the FIFA World Cup.Luis described the invitation as a valuable opportunity to learn from global football leaders, expand professional networks, and acquire knowledge that could benefit the club, Rundu, and Namibian football more broadly. He said the achievement reinforces the club's long-term ambition of establishing a sustainable football model that can support future participation in Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions while contributing to Namibia's aspirations of qualifying for a FIFA World Cup.