Stakeholders Applaud Launch of FUFA Academies League Pilot

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has kicked off its Academies League, a pilot project designed to enhance youth football development. Featuring 10 teams each from the Kampala and Buganda regions, the league will span about six months and complement the existing FUFA Juniors League.

FUFA President Moses Magogo launched the competition at FUFA Stadium Kadiba, distributing 10 Zakayo balls to each participating academy. He emphasized that the league provides young players a platform to compete, showcase skills, and attract scouts for the National Football Academy and underage national teams.

Magogo clarified that talent identification aligns with FUFA’s Technical Masterplan, focusing on players aged 9-11. Academies must be licensed under the National Sports Act, with a grading system ensuring quality—Grade One for the upcoming National Football Academy, Grade Two for professional clubs, and Grade Three for regional setups.

Stakeholders expressed enthusiasm. Roberts Kiwanuka of Rays of Grace Academy and Uganda Youth Football Association hailed the league’s continuity, offering sustained competition over tournaments. Coach Richard Wasswa, representing St. Mary’s Kitende and Vipers, noted the value of exposing young talent to high-quality opposition.

Magogo assured no conflicts in player transfers, with academies retaining consent rights for minors, supporting a structured pathway from identification to elite development.

This story was sourced from Daily Monitor (Uganda).