DBA ACADEMIES
YOUTH
PATHWAYS
INTRODUCTION
Currently we operate 9 academies across 4 regions in Kenya and 1 in Uganda. Guided by all our key pillars, these academies are dedicated to equipping a wide pool of young rugby players with the skills, discipline, and life tools needed to thrive both on and off the pitch.
Our holistic approach focuses not only on developing athletic ability, but also on instilling values such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and integrity. Through sport, we aim to empower youth to realise their full potential, creating a lasting impact far beyond the game.
For those who demonstrate exceptional talent, the journey doesn’t end at the academy. We provide clear and structured pathways through elite tournaments, talent showcases, and scholarship opportunities.
DBA WaziWazi Academy - Nairobi
Our Nairobi based Academy provides regular rugby training, life skills, and leadership development for boys and girls aged 8-18. The Rugby Academy is a safe space where young athletes learn both on and off the pitch, supported by qualified coaches and mentors who care about their growth as players and as people.
Our Academy partners WaziWazi, share our vision of using rugby as a tool for social development, while also recognising the talents and promise Kenya has as a Rugby Nation.
DBA x Kabras RFC Girls Rugby Academy – Western Kenya
Based in Kakamega, DBA Africa has partnered with Kabras RFC and launched the first Girls Rugby Academy which helps girls grow through rugby, both on the field and off the field. The academy supports young players from across Western Kenya, building confidence, life skills, and a strong sense of purpose.
Girls are encouraged to stay in school, speak up about challenges, and chase their dreams. By creating a safe and supportive space, the academy is helping reduce early pregnancy and school dropout, while showing that girls belong in sport and can lead in their communities.
DBA Rift Valley Rugby Academies
With over 425 young players training weekly across five locations in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, the DBA Rift Valley Academies use rugby as a platform to develop life skills, leadership, and opportunity. Our inclusive model ensures both boys and girls aged 11–18 access quality coaching in a safe and supportive environment to aid youth development.
Currently, 40% of participants are girls, and that number is growing. Increasing female participation is a key focus of our sports for development approach, as we work to break down barriers and ensure more girls can thrive through sport.
Through regular training, life skills sessions, and competitive matches, including the annual U13 Kingsley Cup, the academies are building confident, resilient, and socially aware youth.
We support 5 academies in this region:
- New Life academy
- Nakuru Teachers Academy
- Gilgil Vumbi academy
- Turi academy
- Nakuru Athletics Club academy
Coastal Academy
DBA Africa joined hands with the South Coast Pirates rugby team to set up the DBA Coastal Academy at Seacrest in Kenya's coastal Diani region, providing a vibrant hub for hundreds of local children. In an area with limited youth activities, the Coastal Academy offers a vital platform for children to engage in sports, express themselves, and build a sense of community. Through the academy, they gain valuable opportunities to represent their team and region in school tournaments and the prestigious DBA Africa Regional Futures Cup.
Our dedicated team of nine experienced coaches serves as mentors, providing expert instruction and skill development to every child who attends our sessions. These coaches also extend their impact beyond the academy by visiting local schools during the week to support existing sports programs and introduce rugby to more students. Their deep knowledge of both the sport and youth development ensures a high-quality, supportive, and enriching experience.
To further foster competition and growth, the academy hosts its own sports festivals, sponsored by DBA Africa. These events provide a dynamic environment for athletes to test their skills, build confidence, and celebrate their progress, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent in the region.
LACROSSE ACADEMY- UGANDA
DBA Africa is proud to champion one of the most exciting and innovative youth sports initiatives: the Uganda Lacrosse Academy.
Based in Kampala and led by players from Uganda’s National Men’s Team, the academy introduces young people to the unique and fast-paced game of lacrosse.
Beyond the game itself, the academy serves as a tool for social development, providing a positive environment for young people to grow, connect, and lead. For talented athletes, it also offers a pathway to international opportunities, with two Ugandan players currently pursuing lacrosse scholarships in the United States.