Character, Discipline, and the DBA Way at Ololo Tag Rugby Festival

• This past weekend, our Under-11s took part in the Ololo Foundation Tag Rugby Festival, the results spoke volumes about the grit and growth of our young athletes. The festival brought together a vibrant mix of talent, featuring the Nondies Cubs, Ololo Farm, Ololo Lodge, and our very own DBA Academy. It was a day defined by more than just tries and tackles, it was a showcase of the lifeskills, teamwork, and brilliant tactical plays that we cultivate every day in our training sessions.
  

  The Match Report: A Day of Resilience

  Our U11s started the morning on the right foot, securing a hard-fought victory against Ololo Lodge. It was the perfect start, showing the hard work both players and coaches put in at the DBA Africa rugby academy.

  However, sports have a way of humbling even the best. In our second fixture, we faced a powerhouse in Ololo Farm, losing the match. We view a loss as a technical audit, a chance for the kids to figure out how to reset and communicate under pressure. That resilience paid off, our young stars finished the day on an absolute high, delivering a dominant win over the Nondies Cubs.

  The DBA Difference: Discipline Under Pressure

  While the scoreboard was exciting, the biggest standout noted by many parents and coaches in attendance wasn't just the skill on the ball. It was how disciplined, calm, and how organized the DBA Africa Rugby Academy kids remained throughout the day, all life skills we fully advocate for..

  In age-grade rugby, emotions can run high. But our athletes showed maturity beyond their years. Whether they were celebrating a try or recovering from a loss, they stayed focused on the system and remained respectful towards the officials and opponents. This is the DBA Africa DNA, we aren't just coaching rugby players, we are developing composed, thoughtful young leaders, skills that go towards youth development.

  Why Age-Grade Festivals are the Heartbeat of Development

  Festivals like the one hosted by the Ololo Foundation, are vital for the long-term vision of Kenyan rugby. They serve as the ultimate classroom for three reasons:

  1. The Athlete’s Growth: Competitive fixtures move skills from drills to instincts. Seeing our kids execute complex footwork under the pressure of a Nondies defense is where real development happens.
  2. The Community Bridge: These events bring together diverse groups, from the Nondies club tradition to the Ololo community teams. It breaks down barriers and builds a shared sporting culture in Kenya.
  3. The Professional Pathway: By exposing U11s to structured tournament play early, we are preparing them for the mental rigors of professional sport. We are building Rugby IQ that will serve them long after they leave the academy.

  Building the Future Together

  The eventful day at Ololo was a reminder of why we do what we do. When foundations provide the platform and academies provide the path, the children are the ones who soar.

  As we continue to push our analytics and impact numbers up, it’s days like these filled with laughter, muddy kits, and brilliant plays that remind us we are on the right track toward our 2026 African Sports Academy of the Year goals.

  Support the Journey

  Want to see our U11s in action or support our next festival?

  • Support the Athletics Race Fund (ARF)
  • Join the DBA Academy