Paorinher Academy Banks on grassroots football to produce Uganda's next stars

Paorinher Sports Academy in Patongo Town Council, Agago District, is banking on grassroots football to shape the future of talent in Northern Uganda.

Founded in 2018 as the Patongo Orphan Infant Health Rehabilitation Centre (PAORINHER) to support vulnerable children and orphans affected by the LRA insurgency, the center has since evolved into a fully-fledged football academy.

Raymond Okot Akera, a founder member, says the academy goes beyond coaching.

"Our specific aim is beyond coaching. We aim at educating young players in dealing with external pressure as well as the business side of football so that they can avoid making mistakes in their pursuit of the paid ranks," Akera said.

He said Paorinher was established to transform the lives of vulnerable boys and girls in Northern Uganda by using sports as a tool for discipline, leadership, and youth empowerment on and off the pitch.

The academy currently runs four age categories: U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-17, with training conducted from Monday to Saturday.

General Secretary Ashirafu Munyaga said the academy's growth has been recognized nationally after the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) approved it as a Grade II Academy.

"FUFA recently approved us as a Grade II Academy, which allows us to offer accredited training and better prepare our players for the professional ranks," Munyaga said.

According to Munyaga, the academy has already produced national team players Joseph Langol and John Baptist Opio, who have been called up to the Uganda U-17 national team.

Technical development is led by Coach Francis Omara, who handles physical conditioning and tactical planning. Omara says his philosophy is built on discipline, hard work, and adaptability.

"Northern Uganda is blessed with talent. This academy is key for talent identification. I appeal to Northern leadership and the community at large to come on board and support the brain behind this initiative," Omara said.

Co-Executive Director John Kennedy Oyet is optimistic that the academy will open more opportunities for children in the region.

"Football academies provide professional-level training that helps young athletes develop their skills. Through one-on-one mentoring with coaches, players can address weaknesses affecting their performance and build confidence," Oyet said.

He added that access to qualified coaches gives young players structured and effective development that prepares them for higher divisions.