Youth Football: Omega Celebrates 5th Anniversary, Calls for Support
The Nakawa Division- Kampala based and rapid growing football learning institute, Omega Soccer Academy celebrated it’s 5th anniversary at Valley View Playground Mbalwa-Namugongo.
The one day gala and chill was held on Saturday, 20th January 2024.
Before having a cake cutting and drinks, the Academy first had friendly games against Joe Kigozi Academy and players of different categories from U8 to U17 showcased their talents before their parents, fans and the official from Uganda Youth Football Association, [Coordinator Nakawa Division] Jessy Lukoki.
According to the Academy Director, Papa Bob Mawande, the academy started in 2019 with an aim of developing talent in football and the help those talented kids but with no financial muscle to support their talents.
“Today we are celebrating our 5th year of existence as Omega Soccer Academy.” Says Bob Mawande before adding.
“We started in 2019 with few children but the number is now growing, I thank parents who trust us with their kids. We are straight, we know how to handle the kids because we’re parents too. ” He spoke to parents in the attendance at Valley View Restaurant.
Despite the number is growing, now at 50 kids and above, Bob revealed that they face the financial challenge to keep this academy running because most of the kids they get are from humble background whose parents can’t even afford to pay the registration fee of 7000/-.
He urged parents who are well off and well wishers to come up and support them because the academy’s main aim is to groom the talent with discipline.
“We receive many kids here, they have talent, get attracted with fellow kids but their parents are not well, some even fail to pay the registration fee, but we can’t chase them, so parents abaakolamu, I mean those who have money keep supporting us, well wishers we welcome you. We want these kids to earn living from their talents.” He said.
One of the ways they go through to solicit funds, the Academy sells branded water bottles, and Jerseys.
The UYFA Nakawa Division Coordinator, Jessy Lukoki emphasized kids to have discipline and take football and Education as something very important in their lives.
The former She Corporate and U20 Women National team defender, Nampijja Memory, Sarah Namulindwa were among the speakers of the day who did speak to the kids.