FKF and ACAKORO Sign Landmark Partnership
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially forged a pivotal partnership with Acakoro Football Academy to establish Kenya’s first fully residential high-performance system aimed at youth national team development. This collaboration marks a vital step in enhancing the youth football structure in Kenya.
Addressing Gaps in Youth Football Development
The partnership is a response to long-standing deficiencies in youth football by creating a systematic and long-term pathway for gifted young athletes. Starting in December 2025, FKF and Acakoro will collaboratively identify top 2011-born players across five regions. Those who excel will receive full scholarships to join a comprehensive residential program at Acakoro’s extensive 25-acre academy in Homa Bay.
This program aligns with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), integrating elite football training, sports science, and personal development. The initiative aims to equip players with the skills necessary to integrate directly into FKF’s U15 to U17 national team pathway, establishing a solid foundation for future competitions like the FIFA U17 World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
A Vision for the Future
FKF President Hussein Mohammed articulated the federation’s dedication to strengthening youth structures, stating, “Kenya has world-class talent. What we have lacked is a structured, long-term development pathway.” He highlighted the need for meaningful action beyond mere words, emphasizing that this partnership will facilitate the implementation of global best practices in youth football.
Acakoro Director Lukas Mott echoed these sentiments, underscoring the partnership’s potential to revolutionize youth development in Kenya. “This partnership unlocks Kenya’s football potential. By coordinating national efforts to educate and train young players, we can aspire to see Kenya on the world stage.”
Moving Forward Together
Under the MoU, Acakoro will offer daily training and sports science support, while FKF will manage the national pathway to ensure smooth progression from the U15 to U17 teams. This collaboration serves as a blueprint for future youth academies, illustrating how unified national structures and elite development programs can yield sustainable growth in football.
This partnership offers a promising blueprint for the future, and the next steps involve collective commitment from all stakeholders to ensure its success. The future of Kenyan football rests with our youth, and it’s time to invest in their potential.
For more updates on this groundbreaking initiative, stay tuned as we follow the development of Kenya’s young football talent.
