Ugandan young footballers embark on 12-day development tour in Munich

For many Ugandan footballers, the first chance to travel to Europe comes only after turning professional. Edgar’s Youth Program believes exposure should start much earlier.

The academy has sent a 32-member contingent of young players, coaches, support staff and parents to Munich, Germany, for a 12-day football and educational tour.

During the trip, the players will train under UEFA B-licensed coaches, play friendly matches against local youth teams, visit the Allianz Arena and tour Munich.

Academy proprietor Edgar Watson Suubi said the trip is designed to develop the players both on and off the pitch.

“We take this tour seriously because it's not only about playing football but also opening the minds of these young players,” Watson said.

“We want them to experience different cultures and ways of life, so they return home with a different mentality and share what they have learned with others.”

Watson added that the long-term goal is to prepare the youngsters for professional football abroad.

“Our ultimate goal is to prepare them while they are still young because we want to see them play in bigger leagues abroad. Germany has one of the strongest leagues in Europe, so this experience will be very important for their development,” he said.

The Germany trip is the latest in a series of exposure tours organised by the academy. Edgar’s Youth Program has previously taken players to Sweden, the United States, South Africa and Rwanda, alongside tours within Uganda.

The academy has also nurtured players who have gone on to play at a higher level, including Uganda Cranes forward Stephen Mukwala and KCCA FC midfielder Said Mayanja.

Coach Rebecca Nassuuna believes the experience will have a lasting impact on the youngsters.

“The children are very excited about this trip because they know it's a great opportunity to learn and grow,” she said.

“Training under international coaches will add another dimension to their development. I am confident they will return home better players after gaining valuable international exposure.”

For 12-year-old winger Edrina Akol, the trip is a dream come true.

“I have always wanted to play football in Germany, and I know I will learn a lot there and return home a better player,” she said.

Seventeen-year-old defensive midfielder Ivan Akol also hopes to use the opportunity to move closer to his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“I hope to learn from the coaches and players my age. I believe I will return home a different and better player,” he said.

The contingent left Uganda on Tuesday for the 12-day programme, which aims to broaden the players’ horizons and prepare them for bigger stages in the future.