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Kenyan Football Academies

by natscott on | 2023-08-23 15:51:47 Last Updated by natscott on2024-05-18 10:07:28

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In the midst of a sporting landscape where the roar of the crowd often gravitates towards other arenas, a silent revolution is underway. Although the grand stages of Kenyan football may not yet garner the continental spotlight and global spotlight is very much in the back of the beyond. Within the confines of local communities and bustling cities, a promise emerges.

A promise nurtured within the heartbeats of football academies – these unassuming powerhouses – that are defying the odds and keeping the flicker of the game's spirit alive. Through their tireless efforts, they are sowing the seeds of a brighter future, shaping talents and dreams that resonate far beyond the boundaries of their pitches.

From the urban pulse of Nairobi to the tranquil settings of Kakamega, the journey of Kenyan football academies is one that bridges the gap between potential and achievement. These academies are far more than training grounds; they are crucibles of hope, where raw talents are carefully honed, molded, and a collective dream of greatness is fostered.

Amidst the ebb and flow of Kenyan football's popularity, these academies stand as resilient symbols of aspiration, mentorship, and a shared love for the beautiful game. Every training session, every goal scored, and every challenge overcome becomes a testament to the transformative power of football. They embody the fusion of sweat and determination, individual ambition intertwined with collective spirit, and the dawning of a future rich in possibility.

In this exploration, we venture into the heart of some of Kenya's most esteemed football academies. Journey with me as we seek to briefly establish the standalones of the Kenyan football academies and serve you a taste of whom and where you could find these beaming beacons of hope for the beautiful game.

 

Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA)

MYSA was founded in 1987 by a Canadian, Mr. Bob Munro. It is located on Juja Road, in Kariobangi South in Nairobi. The name is an acronym conjured from the location of the academy; Mathare slums in Nairobi.

MYSA is considered to be a top training academy in Kenya, with a history of successful academy players having exploits in Norway, Sweden and other far footballing lands.

MYSA has a more regular training program held in the evenings and over the weekends. Indeed, the academy is today mutated into a more community organization outfit, with several community programs developed to fit the needs of the community around Mathare slum.

Charges: MYSA often offers free or affordable training programs to ensure accessibility.

Website: www.mysakenya.org

 

Ligi Ndogo Soccer Club Academy (Ligi Ndogo)

The academy was started 2002 by Chairman Mr. Chris Amimo and Mr. Karani Nyamu. The name is conjured from a Swahili word ‘ligi ndogo’ loosely translated in English as juvenile league. The academy has a senior’s team that was formed in 2005 and currently in the National super league.

Ligi Ndogo Academy has training grounds in Karen and on Ngong road near Poster Offices, next to Rugby Football Union grounds.

The academy has vibrant training programs offered to age groups as young as 6 year olds. Ligi Ndogo is widely respected for its comprehensive youth development program and holistic approach. The academy also engages in several tournaments nationwide and internationally, including in Spain and in Las Vegas.

Training sessions are usually held in the afternoons and weekends.

Charges: Ligi Ndogo charges fees based on the age group and program level. Scholarship is available for talented players with financial difficulties.

Website: https://ligindogo.com/

 

AFC Leopards Youth Academy

The academy is based in Nairobi but with an irregular home training ground. It is an affiliate of the Kenya Premier League giants; AFC Leopards. The academy aims to nurture young talent and provide them with a pathway to the senior team. The academy caters to children and teenagers of various ages from 6 to 18 years old. Training schedules vary for different age groups, typically held after school hours. AFC Leopards Youth Academy is largely considered one of the premier academies associated with a major football club in Kenya.

Charges: This depends on the program level and duration of training, with discounts for club members.

Website: No explicit website for academy

 

Gor Mahia Youth Academy

 Gor Mahia Youth academy is located in Nairobi. Training sessions are organized on weekdays and weekends. Youngsters from age 6 to 18 are enrolled into the academy. The academy is synonymous with producing players who contribute to the success of Gor Mahia Football Club.

Charges: are structured based on the age group and the level of coaching offered.

Website: No explicit website for academy

 

Kakamega Homeboyz Youth Academy

Away from the bustling city of Nairobi is Kakamega FC in Kakamega, western region of the country. The academy promotes youth involvement in the sport and also takes up children from 6 to 18 years. Training schedules typically include evenings and weekends. Known for its commitment to nurturing young talents in Western Kenya, Kakamega Homeboys Youth Academy is a beacon of hope for countless young talents across western Kenya.

Charges are designed to be affordable and are often tailored to suit the economic conditions of the region.

Website: No explicit website for academy

 

Kariobangi Sharks Youth Academy

Kariobangi sharks in a bid to ascertain their presence in the KPL have their own academy to ensure their continued success in the League. Nairobi really is the central hub of everything, yet again this academy is located in Nairobi. Training sessions are held on weekdays and weekends. Recognized for its connection to Kariobangi Sharks Football Club and its contribution to local football talent. Academy fees are structured based on age groups and program levels, with an aim to maintain accessibility.

Beyond the drills and strategies, these academies are crafting a legacy of resilience, character, and determination. The training grounds become classrooms of life, where discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence are taught with the same fervor as dribbling techniques and goal-scoring prowess. The young talents who pass through these gates are not only becoming better footballers but also better individuals, carrying with them the values and lessons imprinted on the fields of their growth.

As we reflect on the charges paid, the hours spent on the pitch, and the shared dreams of coaches, players, and parents alike, it becomes evident that these academies are investing in more than just wins on the scoreboard. They are nurturing a generation that will hold the mantle of Kenyan football, instilling a love for the game that transcends victory or defeat. The journey they undertake, from grassroots to glory, is a journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the pursuit of potential.

Website: No explicit website for academy

 

Other academies include:

Express Soccer Academy

Express Soccer Academy is domiciled at the Hillcrest International School along Langata Road, in Nairobi, with periodic training seasons at Marist International College at Karen, Nairobi.

The academy conducts training sessions on Saturdays from 9 am and on Sundays from 2 pm.

The academy admits soccer players from the age of 5 years to 17 years old.

The charges for players vary contingent upon the chosen training schedule and the age group of the player. All new players part with 1500/= for registration. Training charges range between Ksh 19,000/= for Saturday and Sunday training sessions per term (equivalent to a quarter a year), and Ksh13,650/= for Saturday or Sunday sessions per term. There are also daily training charges of 1200/= per season. In addition, players are also charged 8,500/= for the home and away kits together with a track suit. Enrolment can happen through the academies website.

Website: http://expresssocceracademy.com/

 

Inspire Soka Academy

Under the guidance of former Harambee Stars defender James Situma, Inspire Soka Academy hosts its training sessions at the St Kizito’s Centre in Mwihoko. Training sessions are held at 3 pm on Saturdays and from 9 am on Sundays.

The academy has a Ksh5,000 registration fee. This fee includes a set of personalized training kits for each participant. Training charges vary depending on season and age groups.

Website: www.inspiresokaacademy.com 

 

Life & Sports Academy

The word LIFE in the name Life & Sports Academy is an acronym for Lets Invest in Future Education and Employment. The academy is not restricted to football, but also admits players in other disciplines that include; Baseball, Basketball, Softball and wrestling.

The academy is domiciled in Lang’ata, in Nairobi.

Life & Sports Academy conducts its training sessions from 9 am to 11 am on Saturdays, and from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sundays at the Uhuru Gardens Primary School. The academy adopts an annual fee structure, with charges totaling Ksh40,000. This amount encompasses the provision of tailored training kits as well as logistical arrangements for friendly matches and tournaments.

Website: https://www.lifesportsacademy.net/

 

Legacy Academy

The academy was established under the leadership of former Harambee Stars coach Mr. Stanley Okumbi.

Legacy Academy holds its training sessions at the scenic Karura Forest grounds every weekend. The academy enrolls players from age 6 to 17 years old.

The enrollment fee is KES 10,000, which is inclusive of branded training kits. Training and tuition fee is charged at KSh 8,000 for a two-session weekly program, and KSh 12,000 for a three-session weekly program.

Website: https://legacyacademy.co.ke/

 

Cheza Sports Football Academy

The academy was formed under the auspicious of FKF Accredited coach Collins Olimba.

The academy holds training at Railways Training Institute in South B area, in the south of Nairobi. Training sessions are mainly scheduled for the weekends. Players between the ages of 4 years to 23 years are eligible to join Cheza Sports Football Academy.

Upon registration, every player is required to remit a one off registration fee of 16,800/=. Player training schedule is assigned to individual players after a medical and admission. The training schedule is pooled according to the coach’s recommendation.

Website: https://www.chezasports.co.ke/home

 

R.O Sports Soccer Academy

R.O Sports Soccer Academy is a Licensed Category 3 Football Academy in Kenya. There are four academy categories, with one being the highest rating and four being the lowest. In category 3, Academy players are provided with both professional coaching and development opportunities. 

R.O Sports Soccer Academy was established by former Sofapaka and Gor Mahia forward Ronald Okoth, The academy is organizes its training sessions during the weekends at the Dr Livingstone Primary School in Jerusalem, Eastlands.

There is a registration fee stipulated for every new player and a variety of fee is charged for a variety of training programs.

Website: No explicit website for academy

By Salim Ramadhan