Kampala, Uganda: Saved Athleticos Soccer Academy in Kitebi has received football equipment from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to improve training conditions and support the development of young players.
The academy received 20 Zakayo footballs, 18 pairs of football boots, Janzi-branded playing kits and Uganda Cranes jerseys during a FUFA outreach at African Heritage Nursery and Primary School.
Saved Athleticos is attached to African Heritage Nursery and Primary School, where the academy’s players also study. The academy and school share the same coach for football training and school programmes.
The support followed a post by Saved Athleticos on X seeking assistance with sports equipment. FUFA subsequently followed up on the appeal as part of its commitment to supporting grassroots football through its corporate social responsibility activities.
Head coach Calvin Nyombi welcomed the donation, saying the equipment would give the academy a major boost. “This is going to be a booster for my academy. I am extremely happy and grateful for the support, and I promise to promote these children to the highest level,” Nyombi said.
He said communities have significant untapped football talent that can be developed if young players receive the necessary support. “I believe there is a lot of talent in the ghetto and in our communities. If we work hard at the grassroots, we shall be able to develop good players for the national level.”
The academy had previously struggled with inadequate footballs, playing kits and boots, forcing some children to train without proper footwear.
Deputy head teacher and games teacher Kanya Moses said the new equipment would motivate the players and encourage more children to participate in the programme.
“Previously, these children were training barefooted, but now they have football shoes and the equipment they need. This is going to motivate them and encourage more talent to come into the programme,” Kanya said.
FUFA Executive Committee member Rogers Mulindwa, who led the delegation, said investment in academies was essential to the future of Ugandan football.
“It is in the interest of FUFA and the entire football governing body in this country that we have football played across the country. We cannot build football without starting from the grassroots,” Mulindwa said.
He added that FUFA would continue monitoring the academy’s players, noting that some could eventually progress to the national team. “One of these boys could perhaps make the national team in the future. Whether we shall be alive or not, you never know. That is why we shall keep monitoring their progress.”
Nyombi, a former Kampala Junior Team player, established Saved Athleticos with the aim of identifying and developing football talent within the community.
The coach has also made personal sacrifices to keep the academy operating, including selling his phone to raise money to register the academy and pursuing a CAF D coaching qualification.
The FUFA support gives the academy additional equipment to strengthen its training programme as it continues its efforts to identify and nurture young footballers in Kitebi.
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