Our Vision
What generates the phenomenal energy behind Baker Football Academy is the founders’ desire to empower the youth such that they become productive participants in Uganda’s long-term economic and social development. We see BAFA evolving into an institution in the forefront of dynamic social development programs providing critical interventions and social support systems, and are determined
to achieve this by giving the young boys and girls the chance to acquire the essential tools of life through soccer: an opportunity to succeed. We believe that some of the fundamental needs of a productive young person are education, skills, and self-confidence; and we endeavor to empower them through a sport-based programme that combines the complementary disciplines of sport and academic study and mentorship; to mould young men and women of character. Our Mission
Our mission is to develop and manage an institution that is a home and place of football learning excellence for the youth of Uganda, by providing emotional, intellectual, and physical development to young boys and girls in Uganda such that they achieve their dreams of becoming successful soccer players, coaches, and administrators. Our Motto: Future Talents (Future Football Talents)
Introduction
Football is seen by many as a major sporting event in the world. The game of football has resulted to development in many countries across the world and has contributed in enriching individuals. Besides, sport in general and football in particular have emerged as a single unifying factor, even in the moment of political, ethnic and socio-religious tension and feuds. Football has bridged racial and tribal divide and brought people of other nations into a union of oneness. The desire and zeal to conquer and be number one by the youths has unfortunately not been matched with opportunities and facilities to nurture their skills and talents. It is in this context that Baker Football Academy, a social enterprise, is pursuing its zeal to transform the lives of the budding Ugandan talents. This project proposal is submitted for funding and sponsorship. Background of Baker Football Academy
Baker Football Academy is a soccer organization located in Uganda, Kampala District, Kawempe North. Baker Football Academy has two categories of players (Boys and Girls) and it has five classes – U8, U10, U12, U14 and U17. We currently cater for 30 plus kids from different socio-economic backgrounds ages 4 years (who are learning the basics of the game) to kids who are 17 years old. BAFA also grooms elite players who aspire to turn professional one day and are committed to ensuring that our football academy offers top-level football training with the objective of guiding players in achieving their maximum potential in life and the beautiful game. In January 2019, Baker Football Academy was launched as a simple football program where children could improve their football skills and have positive playing and learning experiences. We started with an initial group of about 10 kids. This program started at Akamwesi, Kanyanya where we still hold our programs.
• In January 2019, we introduced into our Under 8 & 10 years program with about 10 children from low-income backgrounds who could not pay the fees. They were players with lots of passion and ambition. They added quality and the entire program benefited.
• By the end of 2019, the program was growing and attracting over 30 kids. We were increasing our age categories and introducing more coaches into the program.
• From January – Mid-March 2020, we ran our normal programs until the global pandemic shut sports down in the country and we did not run the program the rest of the year due to strict guidelines.
• In January 2021, we resumed our programs that happen every Saturday. Programs
U4 & U6: Through our tailored curriculum we are able to engage, educate and capture young minds while having fun playing soccer and this program is designed to develop the fundamental aspects of a beginning football player. The key features to the activities designed are that they facilitate development of balance, motor coordination, and spatial awareness. Players spend the majority of lessons with a ball at their feet ensuring they gain confidence and ball familiarity from an early age. Skills are learnt and developed through participation in activities and games which are structured in such a way that ensures all children experience enhanced involvement, success and enjoyment. U8 to U11: This is a program geared for those who are playing at a ‘Development’ level. We have children from ages 8-11, who are allocated into compatible age groups: Under 8, Under 9 and Under 11. All (or most of) the children in this category ‘pay’ to participate on the program. We get approximately 30 children over the course of Saturday and Sunday. We have a team of 4 coaches to handle these kids and the purpose is to create an environment where children can have positive playing experiences, whilst still learning the skills of the game and being involved in a team setting. The training is specially designed to be fun and highly involving. Players at this level are made ready to participate in small sided games (2vs.2, 3vs.3) and matches (5vs.5) to introduce game related concepts. In order to enhance individual performance in these matches, the importance of technique is underlined and developed further increasing the range of techniques at the player’s disposal. Players learn a wider range of controlled passing, receiving, dribbling and shooting skills. This program is for all players from beginners to advanced level. U13 and U15: This program is designed for highly talented & committed players and is focused on guiding young players towards team play through co-operative small sided games (3vs.3 and 4vs.4) and matches. Players are coached to make effective choices about attacking and defending as a small sided team. Players are taught to understand the different positions within a team and can select and demonstrate specific attacking and defending skills. Games involving these players take more shape in attack and defense, and knowledge of concepts and tactics improve. The initial stages of developing physical attributes such as speed, strength and endurance are incorporated into this programme. This program is for children who have showcased tremendous talent and potential. The academy undertakes a thorough selection process to get the right players who have talent and a good attitude to learning. They train 2 times a week – Saturday and Sunday. The Academy has a uniform for all kids and they are bought at the Academy . Their training is more focused and geared to accelerated development. They are seen as the next generation of players. U17: This program is designed for highly talented & committed players and is focused on guiding young players towards team play through co-operative small sided games (3vs.3 and 4vs.4) and matches. The initial stages of developing physical attributes such as speed, strength and endurance are also incorporated into this programme. Project Sustainability
This project meant for the training of young people, shall be a continuous process of identifying, training, building capacities and causing sports men and women to participate in national and international events. BAFA also plans to host local and international youth tournaments, put sports facilities, a training centre, sports related education, sports equipment and apparel shop, event branding and marketing and a sports resource centre which are income generating. BAFA shall therefore provide a sustainable way of transforming sports in Uganda, a country blessed with potential stars just waiting to shine. Monitoring and Evaluation
The following assumptions were made in presenting this BAFA proposal. These include;
1. That BAFA will identify and train those youth who are talented in football.
2. That the Academy will help to expose the trained and talented footballers into the national and international market.
3. That the academy will train football coaches, and administrators
4. That the Academy will create jobs in many directions.
5. That the Academy will be a developing project by building football and other infrastructure.
6. That both the public and private sector will welcome the BAFA initiative and support it.
7. That assistance and funding will be made available for the resource of the Academy by whoever BAFA approaches.
8. That the Academy will market the product of its sponsors and funding agents. Parental/Guardian Consent
The children are all on the program with parental consent and it will remain as such. Some parents or guardians are financially stretched and greatly appreciate the initiatives of the academy
Management and Technical Capacity, Structure and Relevant Experience
Baker Mbowa – Director & Head Coach
Baker Mbowa is a ‘Caf A’ licenced coach currently working with Bright Stars FC in the Uganda Premier League. He has a vast experience in working with and developing youth footballers having worked with Proline for a long time
Sadam Senoga – Assistant Director
Shadia Namakula – Administrator/Secretary
Baker Football Academy 2021 Budget
With sport now allowed to take place in the country, we have resumed our weekly programmes with kids and the response is great. We are currently working with three coaches and a kits, equipment and ground manager.
