Nairobi’s based Blue Stars Soccer Academy is unlocking the potential of young Kenyan footballers, providing them with the skills and training necessary to achieve greatness.
The academy, based in Kahawa Wendani estate, is dedicated to creating opportunities for children who dream of excelling in football.
The academy was established in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools closed and children confined indoors, the academy sought to engage kids in physical exercises while nurturing their football skills.
Since then, it has grown into a hub for young footballers, offering structured training and participation in competitive tournaments.
Speaking to SportsAfrica, academy director Collins Saka explained that the institution’s schedule is designed to accommodate young players’ school commitments. Sessions are held on Saturdays during school days and expand to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during holidays.
To join, interested players must have a signed parental consent form, after which their parents pay a membership registration fee of just KES2,000 (about $17).
The academy welcomes both boys and girls, with the girls’ team admitting players aged five to 15 years.
Blue Stars Soccer Academy is already making strides in competitive football. In December 2024, the academy participated in the fourth edition of the Diani Junior Cup.
The U9 team emerged victorious, winning the Plate Cup after defeating Juja Prep Academy in the final, while the U13 team put up a strong fight but narrowly missed progressing beyond the group stage due to goal difference.
The U15 team advanced to the Bowl Cup semifinals, where they were eliminated.
Additionally, Saka, who leads a team of six other trainers, is urging parents to enrol their children in the academy, emphasising the importance of starting football development at an early age.
He believes that structured training, mentorship, and competitive exposure can help young players realise their full potential and pave the way for future football careers.
“For parents looking to give their children a head start in football, Blue Stars Soccer Academy offers the perfect platform to nurture skills, instil discipline, and open doors to greater opportunities in the sport,” Saka said.
Saka’s call comes at a time when the country is banking on the prospects of national junior sides in international competitions. The Harambee Starlets U17 team made history last year after becoming the first Kenyan national team to play at a FIFA World Cup competition, a tournament that was staged in the Dominican Republic last October.
