Introduction

In many regions across East Africa, the journey from school sports to national representation is obstructed by a lack of structured pathways, leaving immense talent undiscovered beyond local zones. Traditional competition structures often favor a handful of elite institutions, meaning highly skilled athletes in smaller or less-resourced schools remain unsees to scouts and national selectors. DBA Africa was established to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that potential, not just pedigree, determines an athlete’s future. Our solution lies in a tiered competitive ecosystem designed to bridge this gap, headlined by the Futures Cup and the Kingsley Cup. As East Africa’s premier U15 platform, the Futures Cup is the only open-access tournament where players from any school can trial for regional selection, gaining essential exposure to UK scholarships and junior national team scouts. Complementing this, the Kingsley Cup provides U13 athletes with their first taste of elite regional competition. Together, these programs have evolved into Kenya’s most professionally managed youth events, turning "playtime" into a high-stakes engine for scholarship opportunities and professional growth.

KINGSLEY CUP

Through the generous  support of Kingsley School in Devon, DBA Africa has successfully hosted the Kingsley Cup for two consecutive years. This premier Under-13s tournament has quickly become a cornerstone of our rugby development calendar, specifically targeting a critical age grade within the Rift Valley region.

A Platform for Growth

As the home to five thriving academies in the Rift Valley, DBA Africa recognises that training is only one half of a player's journey. Without regular, high-quality competition, young athletes remain untested. The Kingsley Cup provides the essential platform these children need to showcase their skills, build confidence, and experience the thrill of competitive play. This serves as set towards the Futures Cup.

EXTERNAL COMPETITIONS AND FIXTURES

We believe that consistent, competition is the ultimate classroom for a developing athlete. While daily training builds the foundation, it is on the pitch, under the pressure of a match, where true growth happens. To ensure our players reach their full potential, we actively curate a calendar of Invited Fixtures and Tournaments.

Bridging the Competitive Gap

For many young athletes across our regional academies, finding quality opposition can be a challenge. By organising and participating in invited fixtures, we bridge this gap. These matches provide:

• Measurement of Progress: Testing skills learned in training against unfamiliar playing styles.

• Exposure: Giving athletes the chance to be seen by scouts, coaches, and peers in a competitive environment.

• Resilience: Learning to handle the wins, losses, and high-stakes moments that define professional sportsmanship.

A Platform for Every Athlete

From our Coastal satellite programme to our Western- based programme, these tournaments serve as a unifying platform. Whether it’s hosting international partners or traveling for inter-academy fixtures. Our goal remains the same, to ensure no talent goes untested and every young sportsperson has the opportunity to shine on a grander stage.