GULU – Hundreds of children returned to the pitch last Saturday at Gombe Junior School playground Gulu as Nyero Foundation Kids Football League resumed, with participants expressing joy and excitement at reuniting with their friends after several months apart.
The young footballers underwent five days of training ahead of the league’s official kick-off last Saturday. The competition features three age categories: Under-10, Under-13 and Under-15.
The league has attracted young players from Kumalo Sports Academy, Friends of Football Stars Academy and the surrounding communities of Pece and Laroo Division, as well as children from Bar Dege-Layibi Division who have expressed interest in developing their football skills.
For many of the children, the return to the league was more than just an opportunity to play football. It was also a chance to reconnect with friends and enjoy being part of a community again.
The young participants said they were happy to be back together after months without regular opportunities to meet, train and play with their peers.
Gilbert Mwaka, the Interim Head Coach and Technical Director at Kumalo Sports, who volunteered to support the league, said the programme plays an important role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“This league is very important because it will shape and prepare young footballers to develop their talents and pursue professional football in the future,” Mwaka said.
Parents also welcomed the return of the programme, praising Nyero Foundation for its continued efforts to support children’s development both on and off the pitch
Several parents said the programme provides children with a positive environment where they can develop discipline, build friendships and stay away from negative peer influences while interacting with responsible members of the community.
Ivan Oyo, Programme Manager at Nyero Foundation, called on parents, children and other stakeholders to embrace and support the initiative.
He said the foundation remains committed to using sports and education as tools to empower young people and create opportunities for their future.
Nyero Foundation remains committed to developing children through sports and education, with the football league providing a platform for nurturing young talent, promoting teamwork and fostering positive social development.
