Driving Impact and Growth

The landscape of lacrosse in Africa is evolving rapidly. As the sport gains official sanctioning across various nations, new development hubs are emerging. While introducing a novel sport generates immense excitement and high participation rates, it also presents distinct logistical hurdles—most notably, the significant financial investment required for specialized safety gear and equipment.

Recognizing both the challenge and the opportunity, DBA Africa established its youth lacrosse programme in Uganda. The initiative was catalyzed by Reagan Ochan, a dedicated DBA athlete based in the country. Serving as the driving force on the ground, Reagan successfully mobilized a local coaching team and gathered enthusiastic young participants, effectively breathing new life into the community. In an area with limited extracurricular infrastructure, the lacrosse programme has become a vital beacon of activity and engagement for the youth of the Acholi Quarters region.

Holistic Development Beyond the Field

At its core, the programme was designed to keep young people productively engaged while leveraging the power of sport to create pathways for personal and academic progression. This mission is already bearing fruit: as attendance grows, community leaders have noted a marked decrease in antisocial behavior among local youth.

"Aside from the technical lacrosse skills we coach, we teach these young athletes core life skills that cannot be replicated in a classroom setting," explains Coach Anywar. "We love our kids and our community, and our ultimate hope is that in a few years, these athletes will use these opportunities to elevate their socioeconomic standing."

A Global Support Network

The programme’s steady growth is sustained by a robust, collaborative support network. Strategic oversight and administrative backing flow from the DBA Africa head office in Kenya. Concurrently, Reagan Ochan continues to inspire the program; having recently graduated from Nassau Community College in the US, Reagan stands as a powerful example of how sports can turn dreams into tangible academic reality—an achievement he now uses to uplift his community. Meanwhile, on the international front, DBA Director Storm Trentham actively coordinates equipment drives across the UK, securing the vital secondhand gear and protective clothing necessary to keep the Ugandan athletes safe and equipped.

Overcoming Challenges and Shaping Futures

Because lacrosse is still in its infancy regionally, organizing structured competitions and external fixtures remains a challenge. Consequently, the athletes dedicate their time to rigorous training, preparing diligently for future competitive opportunities. However, the coaching staff ensures that this preparation extends far beyond the field.

"Our goal as coaches is not only to produce skilled lacrosse players but to equip them with the mindset to become exemplary individuals," Coach Anywar adds. "This is crucial because most of our players come from informal settlements, where they face systemic vulnerabilities such as substance abuse, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies. We offer an alternative path."

By deliberately centering operations in marginalized areas, this initiative has become a standout flagship project for DBA Africa—proving that with the right combination of local leadership, international solidarity, and structured sport, the next generation can safely navigate adversity and play their way toward a brighter future.