Rays of Grace Academy has launched a long-term grassroots football development project in partnership with a team of Dutch coaches, including experts from top European clubs such as Sparta Rotterdam and Feyenoord.
The practical coaching clinics, which began last week in Njeru, are expected to run until December.
The sessions have been held at multiple locations, including the Rays of Grace Academy grounds, the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, and schools like St. Julian High School, and St. Mary’s Kitende, which have several players affiliated with the academy.
Robert Kiwanuka, Director of Rays of Grace Academy and Chairman of the Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA), said the programme aims to elevate both coaching standards and player development.
“We used our academy as a study module and brought in experts from the Netherlands, including those working with Sparta Rotterdam, to help build the technical and tactical abilities of our coaches while training and educating our players,” said Kiwanuka.
He added that the next six months will focus on applying this knowledge within Uganda’s footballing context.
“We want to produce players who are not only educated in the game but also prepared for the professional level, especially in Europe. Our goal is to transform the academy into a structured, elite football business with a clear player development pathway,” he said.
Kevin Kanu, a coach and academy developer at Sparta Rotterdam, praised the academy’s potential and emphasized the need for a solid football structure to sustain progress.
Jorge Ferreira, a Dutch football instructor and scout, highlighted the hands-on approach they have taken since arriving.
“We observed the academy’s training sessions and how coaches review their work. From there, we conducted workshops to help them structure their knowledge better and apply it effectively on the pitch,” said Ferreira.
He noted that the week was filled with both training sessions and matches aimed at helping local coaches implement modern football methods.
One of the key figures in the ongoing project is Leon, a youth coach from Feyenoord, who will remain with Rays of Grace Academy until December to assist in the full implementation of the training model.
“My experience so far has been great. We found an academy full of players and trainers who are eager to learn. They’ve been very easy to work with, and I’m looking forward to the months ahead,” Leon said.
