Karongi Football Academy
The background…
In Nov 2024 the Rwandan FA (FERWAFA) asked our charity to focus future efforts on the district of Karongi, in the Western Province. Specifically, they asked what we could do to support grassroots youth football in the district.
We have always visited Karongi as part of our trips, staying at Lake Kivu and developing a long-established relationship with the sector/village of Bisesero, including the development of their pitch.
With the help of our partners Good News International, we have spent the year finding out about the current youth set up, and planning what we could do to help.
We found that there is no structured youth football in the district, very little equipment and few experienced coaches.
Launched in October 2025…
Based in Rubengera
The administrative centre of the District, and the largest town with a population of 40,000. The adult team are the current holders of the Kagame Cup, a national competition for sectors/towns/villages - an incredible achievement, but there is no “youth team”.
Developing 280 kids
Eventually the aim is to have Academy squads at U9 (mixed), U11 (mixed), U13 (boys & girls squads), U17 (boys & girls) and U17 (boys & girls). They will train 2/3 times per week with qualified coaches and play games at the weekend
The focus will be on small sided games: 4s, 5s, 7s and 9s, before playing 11-a-side in secondary school
Qualified coaches
The Academy will include 3 full-time and 3 part-time coaches, all ex-players and all C Licence qualified. These coaches will train the Academy squads, as well as support local schools and sectors. U18 players and graduates will be encouraged to volunteer as coaches.
Schools and Sectors
The coaching team will spend part of their week supporting 25 schools in Rubengera as well as the 12 other sectors/towns/villages in the District. These schools and sectors will also be provided with balls and equipment, and encouraged to follow the lead of the Academy in terms of training and player development
The Academy will organise regular football festivals for the younger age groups, and leagues and cup competitions for U11s and older
The Rubengera schools will provide the players for the Academy squads, up to U15 when the best Sector players will be invited to join on a boarding school basis
Karongi Football Academy aims to develop players and coaches into
the best people, players and coaches they can be
The Academy aims to help children and young people learn skills and values for life. As footballers, Academy players will be:
Skillfull | Technical | Game Aware | Brave
Willing to learn
Focused and hard working at school
Respectful of team-mates and coaches
However we also believe that football is more than just a game —in Rwanda it can bring communities together through its young people. With our partners Good News International delivering vocational training, and with players expected to work hard at school, the Academy can be a platform for growth, learning, and reconsiliation.
Many of our players will come from tough backgrounds—but with the right support, mindset, and direction, our hope is to create life opportunities for players and coaches, and to have a significant impact of the communities involved
How can you help?
Player Sponsorship
Being part of the Academy could be life changing for players and for coaches. You could be part of their journey…
For only £10 per month you could provide a player with:
Playing kit
School meals (a big problem for families in Rwanda is paying for school meals…many simply go without). By funding a player’s lunches you will be ensuring that they have the nutrition and energy to thrive both at school and football
Sponsors can choose which age and gender of player they would like to support. The Academy will enable you and your family to form a connection with the child or young person, keeping you informed of their progress. If you want to, you will also be able to send them other invaluable items such as football boots, school equipment and clothes. Literally life changing.
Volunteer
A key part of the Academy will be the input and support from Scottish coaches.
There will be several different ways for coaches to get involved - please get in touch if any of these interest you…
5 days: be a part of our 3 trips each year, which will spend 5 days in Karongi and 3 days specifically at the Academy in Rubengera
1/3/6/12 months: coaches of any age and experience can volunteer at the Academy for longer periods of time, perhaps as a student gap year or simply to gain a unique experience for your coaching CV