Prince Soccer Academy: From One Ball to a Community of Champions. -

By Tema Innocent, Sports Journalist

Founded in March 2019 by former player Andabati Robert Prince, Prince Soccer Academy is a grassroots football academy based in Arua City, West Nile, Northern Uganda. What began with only ten players and a single ball has grown into a structured, community-centered institution dedicated to nurturing young football talent while promoting education, discipline, and life skills.

Director Prince founded the academy after witnessing how many talented players of his generation failed to progress due to lack of guidance and support. “We didn’t have people to lift us or guide us. Many talents were wasted. That experience pushed me to start this academy,” he explains.

Prince Soccer Academy is unique for its non-commercial and inclusive model. The academy charges no fees and does not recruit selectively. Instead, it registers players much like a school, welcoming both highly talented children and those still discovering their potential. The academy is deeply rooted in the community and guided by strong moral values as a God-fearing team.

Currently, the academy supports 47 boys and girls on scholarships in both primary and secondary schools. Several players—both male and female—have already secured school scholarships and bursaries at institutions such as Excel International and Great Stewards of Hope, reflecting the academy’s growing credibility.

The academy is guided by a well-established leadership and management structure that ensures accountability and effective operations:

Patron/Director: Andabati Robert Prince

CEO: Adriko Kizito

Chairman: Ecemei Kizito

Public Relations Officer: Tabu Malex

Media Officer: Bipal Jidu

The technical team consists of a Head Coach, three Assistant Coaches, a Fitness Coach, a Team Doctor, and a Goalkeeper Coach, ensuring holistic player development and welfare.

Training sessions are conducted daily, weather permitting, with players divided into morning and evening shifts to manage growing numbers. Players are grouped into age categories—U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U17—to ensure age-appropriate coaching and safety.

Technical development focuses on core football skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control, supported by small-sided games (3v3, 4v4) to improve decision-making in game-like situations. Skill development challenges and drill stations are regularly used to make training engaging and effective.

Physical development is supported through structured fitness programs emphasizing agility, speed, endurance, and strength, tailored to different age groups.

Mental and psychological development is a key pillar of the academy. Players receive confidence-building and resilience training, mental-toughness sessions, and team-building activities that strengthen communication, teamwork, and self-belief.

Prince Soccer Academy strongly promotes gender equality, ensuring boys and girls participate actively and benefit equally in all programs. Training sessions are closely monitored to ensure safety, prevent harmful behavior, and avoid injuries.

The academy provides guidance and counseling, enforces discipline through clear rules, and prioritizes moral conduct. Indiscipline such as fighting is addressed through counseling, temporary suspension where necessary, team talks, and reconciliation processes that promote forgiveness and respect. Romantic relationships within the academy are prohibited to maintain focus and protect young players.

Beyond football, the academy offers mentorship and life-skills training. Leadership skills are developed through systems such as appointing team captains for both boys and girls. Coaches regularly counsel players after training sessions and matches, guiding them on discipline, self-esteem, confidence, teamwork, and responsibility.

Player progress is continuously monitored during training and friendly matches, focusing not only on performance but also on work rate, discipline, team spirit, and personal growth.

Training and home games are held at Ediofe Playing Grounds. Available equipment includes footballs, cones, markers, and training kits for different age categories. However, the academy faces challenges such as limited finances, shortage of equipment, and difficulty traveling outside Arua for competitive matches.

Managing multiple age groups with limited resources also presents challenges, including equipment shortages and varied learning speeds among younger players. These are addressed through tailored communication, visual aids for younger children, and proportional resource planning.

Prince Soccer Academy extends its impact beyond football through community-based activities, including environmental cleanliness campaigns in surrounding trading centers, reinforcing responsibility and community ownership.

Despite financial and logistical challenges, Director Prince remains steadfast. “We have come far, and we shall not stop no matter the situation,” he says.

With strong values, inclusive access, and a community-first philosophy, Prince Soccer Academy in Arua City, West Nile continues to transform young lives—proving that from one ball can grow a lasting community of champions.