School of Excellence-Ex-players Partnership take Masaka by storm

Local authorities have been called upon to take interest in the development of youth. Speaking at the close of the soccer clinic at Kijjabwemi in Masaka on Saturday , Former Villa and Cranes defender  Daniel Ntale who also spearheaded the partnership with the charity asked local leaders to support grassroots initiative aimed at tapping talents. The Ex-players played a football match with Kijjabwemi football Club after conducting a series of soccer drills.

The Uganda Ex-players Association have partnered with Kampala School of Excellence Ministries a local Childrens’ Sports charity to conduct a countrywide talent search through a series of soccer clinics. The program supported by SAMONA Beauty products and Jodana Sports Management is expected to end in December 2011. The move is aimed at complementing efforts towards development of grassroots youth soccer and creating awareness about various social challenges relating to children and youths. The Project which has so far reached over 1200 children in the 5 Divisions of Kampala has also been implemented in Masaka and Mityana districts. Using their fame and technical football knowledge, formers players are inspiring talents and motivating communities to support these youngsters.

Jodana Sports Management donated a full set of jerseys to Masaka Soccer Academy at a function attended by a mammoth crowd. Former Cranes defender and Police FC coach Deo Sserwada advised the younger stars to desist from risky social behavior for successful soccer careers.

Paul Kiwalabye, the Director of Blessings Junior School , one of the schools that participate in the exercise commended the partners for the tremendous work in reaching out to children in rural areas. According to the Ex-players, they will be extending the program to Kalangala, Kabale and Gulu districts in March 2011 before moving to other areas of the nation.