Ugandan children in school lack feedback from actual soccer
players. Since the introduction of UPE, sports and PE has lost terrain. Lesser attention is given how sports can improve healthy
living and how proper training can avoid injuries. Though several skills training organisations are in place,
many lack the capacity to deliver technical staff and sportsmen who can perform at the highest (competitive) level. Talented
locals rather go abroad for further development. This only deteriotes the level of soccer in Uganda. There’s no link between Uganda’s internationals and young players.
Because of lack of a sports structure, retired sportsmen scarcely have
jobs employing them in line with the sport they excelled in. Jobs at football clubs are too insecure or do not pay enough
to support their families. Others have dropped out of school to become a star. Young stars literally ended up ‘wandering
the streets’ unable to get a job.
However,
this prospect is miles away from the reality of the vulnerable Ugandans who are orphans, disabled, war-affected
or HIV+. Because of their situation they are often socially isolated. Sports can help them. Yet, special needs education is
insufficient, lacks the necessary learning facilities or motivated and skilled (games) teachers. And does not
get the attention it deserves in Uganda.
The UN has acknowledged sport as a tool to contribute towards achieving the Millenium Development Goals.
These goals include primary education for all children, promoting gender equality and empowering women and combating HIV/AIDS.
You can promote communication and help heal the divisions between peoples, communities and entire nations –
set an example of fair play’ the UN Deputy Secretary Fréchette stated at the World’s Sport Forum (2000).
Edgars Youth Programme wants to give every child the opportunity
to play soccer and develop its soccer and social skills in a professional way. Coaches can play an important role in educating the youth in skills and living a healthier life.
There’s no link between Uganda’s internationals and young players.
Having learnt from the mistakes we’ve made, we want to support the talented youth, right from the grassroots. Knowing
that is difficult to make a living out of soccer in Uganda, creating additional career opportunities continue a career in soccer, will
also encourage youngsters.
Last,
but definitely not least, Edgars Youth Programme wants to give back in appreciation to those who helped them on their way
to become successful players. They want to help the vulnerables, who desperately need support to get out of their pathetic
situations and become active members in the communities they live in.
Based on this background, Edgars Youth Programe has developed a number of activities.
Core activities include the regular school soccer clubs at Aga Khan, MUBS and Kampala Junior Academy and the holiday soccer camps. But other activities
have been implemented.
Over the years,
Edgars Youth Programme has gained vast experience in :
- (school) soccer training (groups)
- individual one-on-one training
- coach-the-coach sessions
- set up of soccer skills
training programmes
- facilitation of workshops focussing on sport and development
- advise on purchase and use of (professional) soccer
equipment
- organizing friendly games and tournaments
- travel with teams inside and outside Uganda to participate in tournaments.
- officiation
of official games (refereeing).
We work both with schoolgoing youth, as well as the more vulnerable, less fortunate
youth. We have worked with displaced youth, homeless, juveniles and deaf youth. Our coaches are FUFA-qualified, former or
active soccer players and well motivated to work with to work with the youth. For the soccer training we can supply you the
necessary soccer materials (balls, bibs, cones). We follow FIFA-guidelines and regulations.
You can find more specific information on each of these activities under the several sub-headers,,
including upcoming events and reports.
