Expanding Global Pathways Through Lacrosse Development in East Africa

In the heart of Kampala, a quiet revolution in sports development in Africa is taking shape. The DBA Uganda Lacrosse Academy is introducing young athletes to one of the fastest-growing global sports, creating new pathways for youth development, international scholarships, and leadership through sport. Built on DBA Africa’s mission to use sport as a tool for opportunity, the academy is not just developing players, it is developing futures.

Introducing Lacrosse to Unlock New Opportunity

While rugby and athletics have long been established in East Africa, lacrosse represents a new frontier for grassroots sports development in Uganda. Through structured coaching, consistent training, and mentorship, the DBA Uganda Lacrosse Academy provides boys and girls aged 10–18 with access to a sport that connects directly to global education and competition opportunities.

Led by experienced coaches, including current and former national team players, the academy focuses on:

• Technical skill development
• Leadership and personal growth
• Confidence building and teamwork
• International exposure pathways

This approach aligns with DBA Africa’s broader commitment to ethical athlete development and creating clear pathways from grassroots sport to global opportunity.

Reagan Ochan: A Global Pathway Born at Home

Few stories capture the academy’s impact more powerfully than that of Reagan Ochan, one of Uganda’s most promising lacrosse athletes and a direct product of structured development pathways supported by DBA Africa.

Through the academy’s support and exposure, Reagan has earned opportunities to compete and develop abroad, representing Uganda on international platforms and gaining invaluable experience within global lacrosse systems. His journey has taken him beyond East Africa, opening doors to elite training environments and educational opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

Reagan’s progress reflects the core purpose of the DBA Uganda Lacrosse Academy: ensuring that talented athletes are not limited by geography or access, but empowered through sports scholarships, mentorship, and structured development.

Today, he stands as both a role model and proof of concept, showing younger athletes that grassroots sport in Africa can lead to global achievement.

Building Leadership and Life Skills Through Sport

Beyond technical training, the academy places strong emphasis on holistic athlete development. Players learn discipline, communication, resilience, and leadership, skills that extend far beyond the field.

The programme contributes directly to:

• Youth empowerment through sport
• Increased participation in girls in sport initiatives in Africa
• Development of local coaches and sports leaders
• Creation of sustainable sports ecosystems in Uganda

This ensures that athletes are not only prepared for competition, but also for education, employment, and leadership roles within their communities.

Creating International Scholarship and Career Pathways

Lacrosse offers one of the most direct routes to international scholarships, particularly to schools and universities in the United States. The DBA Uganda Lacrosse Academy actively prepares athletes for these opportunities by combining skill development with exposure to international networks.

Already, athletes from the programme have secured international placements, reinforcing DBA Africa’s role in advancing sports scholarships in Africa and expanding access to global education through sport.

This is especially significant in regions where traditional pathways may be limited, providing young athletes with alternative routes to success.

Growing the Future of Lacrosse in Africa

The DBA Uganda Lacrosse Academy continues to grow, welcoming new athletes each year and strengthening its impact across communities. With increasing participation, strong coaching leadership, and proven success stories, the academy is becoming a cornerstone of lacrosse development in East Africa.

By investing in young athletes today, DBA Africa is helping shape the next generation of African sports leaders, ambassadors, and changemakers.

More Than a Game, A Gateway to Opportunity

The success of the DBA Uganda Lacrosse Academy reflects DBA Africa’s wider vision: using grassroots sports development, education, and mentorship to unlock opportunity across Africa.

From Kampala to international arenas, the academy is proving that with the right support, structure, and belief, young athletes can achieve far beyond what was once imagined.

Explore more stories, athlete pathways, and programmes on the DBA Africa website and see how sport is creating real opportunity across Africa.