DBA Africa Launches 2026 Academy Sessions

The energy at Kenton College was electric this week as the DBA Africa Academy officially kicked off its first training sessions of the year. It was a milestone start, marked by the eager faces of young athletes ready to take on what promises to be a highly competitive and transformative season for our Nairobi-based programme.

From parents and partners to our dedicated coaching staff, there was a shared sense of anticipation. This year isn't just about returning to the pitch; it’s about the continued growth of a community dedicated to excellence, discipline, and the holistic youth development of every child who joins us.

Celebrating Transitions and New Arrivals

As we look forward, we also celebrate the natural progression of our athletes. This season, we saw a significant group of our older boys transition into club rugby and university sides—a testament to the impact of the training they received at the academy.

While we bid them a temporary farewell as they move to the next stage of their careers, we were thrilled to welcome a fresh wave of enthusiastic young talent. Many of these new faces joined us thanks to our "young ambassadors," current players who spent their holidays spreading the word to friends and family. Whether they are joining us for the full season or stopped by for the opener before heading off to boarding schools on sports or academic scholarships, we received every athlete with open arms.

Excellence On and Off the Pitch

At DBA Africa, we remain steadfast in our belief that education and co-curricular activities must go hand in hand. We are incredibly proud of our boys and girls who recently sat for their exams and attained impressive grades. Watching them balance the rigors of academia with the physical demands of the academy is what true development looks like.

The Road Ahead: 250 Athletes and Counting

Over the past two weeks, we have hosted over 250 boys and girls, an inspiring turnout that underscores the demand for quality sports programming in the region. These athletes are already deep in preparation for a packed calendar of fixtures, festivals, and elite competitions.

Key highlights to look forward to this year include:

• The Annual Futures Cup: A flagship event for scouting and talent display.
• The Kingsley Cup in Nakuru: A premier tournament that tests grit and teamwork.
• Cultural Exchanges: Opportunities for our athletes to learn from different backgrounds and playing styles.

These festivals and tournaments are more than just games; they are the vital sports opportunities that open doors for these young athletes to reach the next level of their sporting journeys.

Our Commitment to the Future

We are excited for a year filled with new partnerships and continued support for this program. By providing a safe, structured environment for young adults to practice the craft they love, we are doing more than teaching rugby—we are actualizing youth development in East Africa.

We invite you to follow our journey this year as we continue to build leaders on and off the field.