Last year, arete Australia became a charity partner of the Balamu Football Academy in Uganda, providing football kits for children participating in the program in Wasawa, East Africa.
We recently received an update from academy founder, Moses Wambale, on the progress the academy has made since our initial support, the challenges it continues to face and its plans for the future.
The academy provides much more than an opportunity for local children to play football. It uses sport to encourage education, discipline, teamwork and personal development for boys and girls from Wasawa and surrounding communities.
Since receiving the new football kits, Moses has shared that the academy has developed a stronger sense of identity and professionalism. The kits have helped build pride among the children and encouraged both players and coaches to approach training with greater focus.
A key aim of the academy is to create education opportunities for children who may otherwise have limited access to schooling. Through friendly matches and tournaments, players have the opportunity to be seen by local schools and considered for sporting scholarships.
Since our last update, four children from the academy have received sporting scholarships and are now continuing their education at local primary and secondary schools.
The academy has also faced a number of challenges, including limited funding to send qualifying teams to the National Youth Championships and supporting children experiencing difficult family circumstances.
Despite these challenges, the academy continues to explore new ways to support young people in the region. Plans include introducing running programs for children who may not be interested in football, creating another pathway for young people withÂ
Pictured are members of the Under-15 team before a match at the National Championship Qualifiers, during competition and receiving their certificates after finishing second overall in the qualifiers for the greater Mukono sub-region.
