Can football keep children in school? Mentor of Shine Academy says yes

Mentor of Shine Academy is using football to help children from poor families return to school, stay away from crime and build better futures through education.

The academy, located in Nsangi Town Council, Wakiso District, was founded in 2022 by Collins Nasaba together with Nicholas Arinaitwe, Brian Kayeyera and Julius Mukasa.

Despite having no sponsors, the four directors use part of their salaries and savings to keep the academy running and support 45 children from disadvantaged communities.

Academy director Collins Nasaba said the project was inspired by his own childhood experience after missing the chance to fulfil his football dream because he lacked proper development.

"As a young boy, I believed that if I had gone through the right football development system, I could have become a very good player. That inspired me to create opportunities for children who deserve a better chance."

The academy scouts talented children during community football tournaments before visiting their families to identify those from low-income backgrounds who need support most.

Many of the children have dropped out of school because their parents cannot afford fees, while others lack football equipment, proper nutrition and quality coaching.

Rather than choosing football over education, the academy combines both.

Nasaba said every child is first enrolled in school through scholarships secured from partner schools before joining football training.

"Education always comes first. Our players attend school during the day before training from 4pm to 6pm. We want them to succeed in class and on the football pitch."

Besides football, the academy provides school requirements, mentorship and counselling. During school holidays, the children learn basic computer skills and take part in a poultry project that teaches responsibility, teamwork and practical life skills.

One of the academy's biggest success stories is 14-year-old Gordon Quito from Nakabaale Village in Luuka District.

Quito was only 10 when the academy discovered him. Although he was gifted in football, he had dropped out of school because his parents could no longer afford school fees.

After joining Mentor of Shine Academy, he returned to school through a scholarship while continuing to develop his football talent.

Today, Quito has completed his Primary Leaving Examinations and is studying in Senior Two at Madinah Islamic Secondary School.

Nasaba said Gordon's journey proves football can become a pathway to education instead of replacing it.

"Seeing Gordon return to school and now studying in Senior Two reminds us why we started. Football should open classroom doors, not close them."

The academy believes keeping children busy with education and football also protects them from crime, drug abuse and other negative influences.

Nasaba said football teaches discipline, leadership, teamwork and respect while giving vulnerable children hope that they can build successful futures.

Although the academy has only existed for four years and its oldest player is 15, it dreams of producing future Uganda Cranes players and professionals.

None of its players has yet joined a professional club or national team, but several are progressing well through the academy's education programme.

The founders continue to fund the academy themselves because they have not secured major sponsors.

"Our dream is to build our own training facility, establish a school, provide scholarships for every child and create pathways that will see our players represent Uganda and play professional football abroad," Nasaba said.