There were plenty of takeaways, key reflections and positive vibes to reflect on after a successful 2026 Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA) Kids Football Festival held at Henry Sports Centre, Kabalagala, Kampala.
This was the fourth edition of this championship that brought together young players from different academies, with the competition providing a platform for talent identification, player development and exposure.
The basis of youth football is to teach the basics of the game to the youngsters, with crucial skills such as ball control, passing, dribbling, shooting, heading the ball, movements (on and off the ball), amid quick thinking (wise decisions in a record time).
The 2026 UYFA football festival brought together academies in the Age Nine (A9) and Age Eleven (A11) categories in a rather competitive setting.
By close of business, Gombe Soccer Academy and Prostat Soccer Academy were crowned champions of the A9 and A11 categories, respectively.
Age 9:
Gombe Soccer Academy produced a commanding performance to win the A9 category after defeating Mentor Sports International Academy 3-0 in the final.
Jeremiah Ruhakana, Joseph Kato and Jacob Kakuru were on target for Gombe as they secured the championship in convincing fashion.
Gombe Soccer Academy had earlier booked their place in the final with a 3-0 victory over Next Generation Sports Academy, while Mentor Sports International Academy edged Red Sea Soccer Academy 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in normal time.
Age 11:
Prostat Soccer Academy emerged champions after overcoming Gombe Soccer Academy 2-0 in the final.
Prostat’s victory capped an impressive campaign in which they eliminated Telletubies Kids Soccer Academy 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Gombe, meanwhile, secured their place in the final with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Red Sea Sports Academy International.
Individual awards
The festival also recognised outstanding individual performances.
Saidi Abdulrahman of Mentor Sports International Academy was named the A9 Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Godfrey Ssemakula of Prostat Soccer Academy took the A11 MVP award.
All participating academies received certificates of participation, while every player who took part in the festival was awarded a medal.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Youth Delegate Mansoor Kabugo commended youth football stakeholders for their continued efforts towards creating opportunities for young players to develop through competitive football.
FUFA is making all ways possible to become number one football nation in Africa, on and off the pitch. Tournaments like this one can help us develop young football players. Thanks to all youth football stakeholders for trusting the process. We don’t take it for granted when you come for our tournaments.
Mansoor Kabugo, Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Youth Delegate
UYFA honours long-serving youth coaches:
The 2026 UYFA Kids Football Festival also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals who have consistently supported the growth of grassroots football.
Telletubies Kids Soccer Academy coach Kato Irish Ashim and Edgars Youth Programme coach Shafic Katamba were honoured and awarded for their continued participation in the UYFA Kids Football Festival.
The two coaches have been part of the festival since its inception in 2022, making them among the long-serving participants in the annual youth football event.
Their recognition highlights the contribution of coaches and other youth football stakeholders who have remained committed to providing young players with opportunities to compete, develop their skills and gain valuable football experience.
The successful staging of the 2026 UYFA Kids Football Festival further underlined the importance of grassroots competitions in providing young footballers with regular opportunities to compete, gain experience and showcase their potential.
With both Gombe Soccer Academy and Prostat Soccer Academy walking away with championship honours, the fourth edition ended on a high as the participating academies turned their focus towards continued player development beyond the festival.
The 2027 edition and subsequent versions look promising. The future for youth football in Uganda is really bright.
A-9 Teams
- Teletubbies Kids Soccer Academy
- Gombe Soccer Academy
- Happy Kidz Soccer Academy
- Kensington Soccer Academy
- Prostat Soccer Academy
- Next Generation Sports Academy
- Mentor Sports International Academy
- Washington Soccer School
- Red Sea Sports Academy International
A-11 Teams:
- Prostat Soccer Academy
- Gombe Soccer Academy
- Red Sea Sports Academy International
- Telletubies Kids Soccer Academy
- Edgars Youth Programme
- Next Generation Sports Academy
- Washington Soccer School
- Mentor Sports International Academy
- Kick It Soccer Academy
- Dahlak Soccer Academy
- Kensington Sports Academy
- Henry’s Sports Academy
