DBA Africa, in partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union and the Uganda Rugby Union, is set to host the Futures Cup which is the inaugural regional U15 rugby tournament from July 14th to 16th at St Christopher’s International School in Nairobi.
The tournament aims to provide a platform for young rugby players and create a pathway to regional representation beyond school fixtures.
Futures Cup participants
This year’s tournament will feature eight U15 regional teams, including Central, Coastal, Rift Valley, two Nairobi sides, two Western sides, and a team from Kampala.
By involving multiple regions, the event aims to expand the player pool and give talented individuals the opportunity to represent their communities and regions on a broader stage.
Andrew Amonde, former captain of the Kenyan national rugby team Shujaa and Futures Cup Ambassador, believes that investing in grassroots rugby will help Kenya regain its winning ways.
Amonde expressed his support for the tournament, stating that it will expose young players to higher levels of competition, ultimately helping them become better rugby players.
“Investment at a grassroots level will help Kenya rugby to get back to their winning ways,” Amonde said.
“This tournament will expose these kids to a higher level of competition, driving them to ultimately become better players.”
DBA Director Lyle Asiligwa has been working closely with both Rugby Unions and seeking corporate sponsorships to ensure the success of the inaugural Futures Cup.
Asiligwa emphasizes the importance of developing strong pathways to success in rugby and all sports, with the goal of competing on the global stage.
He believes that Kenya possesses a wealth of untapped talent and that the Futures Cup represents a starting point to nurture and guide that talent from an early age.
“We’re really hoping that the Futures Cup will demonstrate the value of strong pathways to success in rugby and all sports so we can properly compete on the world stage. Too much talent in Kenya goes to waste. The Futures Cup is an attempt to begin to harness and direct that talent from an
early age. “
The selection process for the regional teams’ involved trials with over 1,000 players, and the chosen teams have been training diligently to secure victory in the tournament’s first edition.
Rugby enthusiasts and fans can attend the premier Futures Cup free of charge. Pool games are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with the finals and prize-giving ceremony taking place on Sunday, July 16th.
Event: Futures Cup
Location: St Christopher’s International School, Karen.
Time and Date: July 14- 16th Matches start at 9.00am – Final kick-off Sunday 2.30pm
Entry free
