Kampala, (UG): The FUFA Juniors League is set to kick off its 2023/24 season on February 4th, 2024, ushering in transformative adjustments to enhance talent development.
Established as the bedrock for nurturing football stars since its inception in 2015, the league has served as a crucial pipeline for talent feeding into both the Junior and Senior National Teams.
In a groundbreaking shift, all teams participating in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League are now mandated to field a team in the FUFA Juniors League.
This move is poised to create a seamless transition for emerging talents from the junior ranks to the premier league.
The Groups
The 16 participating teams are divided into two groups, reminiscent of past seasons – the Treble and Hat Trick groups.
The Treble group includes powerhouses like KCCA FC SA, Maroons FC JT, NEC FC JT, Express FC JT, URA FC JT, UPDF FC JT, Kitara FC JT, and Arua Hill SC JT.
Meanwhile, the Hat Trick group features SC Villa JT, Soltilo Bright Stars FC JT, Vipers SC JT, Wakiso Giants FC JT, BUL FC JT, Gaddafi FC JT, Busoga United FC JT, and Mbarara City FC JT.
How matches will be played
Exclusively for players under the age of 17, born after January 1st, 2007, the competition will unfold over three rounds in a league format with home and away fixtures.
The host for the third round will be determined by the aggregate results from the first two rounds.
Eligibility
Each club according to FUFA is permitted to register a maximum of 25 players, with 10 born before January 1st, 2007, and the remaining 15 born in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Stringent documentation requirements, including minor consent forms, National IDs of parents/guardians, authentic birth certificates, and fully-filled player passport forms, aim to ensure compliance with age eligibility.
Despite these significant changes, other Junior Teams will continue to compete in their respective FUFA Regions after adhering to the Academy registration process, maintaining continuity from the previous season.
When does the league start?
The FUFA Juniors League 2023/24 season, involving StarTimes Uganda Premier League Clubs, is on track to commence on February 4th, 2024, marking a crucial step in Uganda’s football evolution.
The roadmap leading to the kickoff includes age verification from January 15th to 19th, fixture release on January 20th, and the release of competition rules and regulations on January 20th.
Player registration on FUFA Connect will take place from January 20th to 31st, 2024, setting the stage for a season of talent, competition, and growth.
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