Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has accepted to be an ambassador of the Sure stream soccer academy project in Malawi, officials say.

For the past four months the country has been holding out soccer academy games for schools in the southern region.

The program which is in partnership with sure stream Academy,the football association of Malawi and Malawi schools sports association is currently reaching out to about eight thousand children.

Speaking to capital fm, Play soccer Malawi general secretary Patricio Kulemeka said the project is expected to help build the future national football team as the participating children are acquiring skills that will enable them become professional players.

He added that that they project is giving the Malawi football development the international exposure it needs hence the involvement of Rooney.

“Sure Stream has got clubs in Rwanda, Senegal. So these two items when you look at them and the connection they have with Manchester and big clubs,” said Kulemeka.

“These have already showed an interest to come in and Rooney as we are talking has also shown an interest and he is already an ambassador for this project in Malawi. And you can see that Malawi will benefit more.”