Future Light Football Academy (FLFA) is a Kigali-based organization that uses football to support disadvantaged children. Its work goes beyond training on the pitch: FLFA combines football with nutrition, education, and community support to help children have more opportunities to dream, play, and thrive.Founded in April 2023 by Eric Iracyadukunda and Bram Vlaanderen, the academy began with Sunday morning training at one location. It has since opened a second location and now offers at least two training sessions a week to close to 400 players.
Football is the starting point, not the whole program
At FLFA, football brings children together and gives them the opportunity to train, play, and develop as part of a team. But the academy’s purpose extends beyond sport. It aims to support children’s wider well-being through a combination of training, nutrition, education, and community.The organization also creates opportunities for players to learn skills outside football, including leadership, IT, music, and dance. These activities help broaden the experiences available to children in the program.
Supporting children’s education
Some FLFA families cannot afford school fees and uniforms. The academy provides support with these costs and monitors players’ school attendance and results, with the aim of helping children stay in education.This connection between sport and education is central to FLFA’s approach: football is part of a broader effort to give children support and opportunities in their lives.
Creating more opportunities for girls
FLFA believes football should not be seen only as a boys’ activity. Girls make up about 10% of the academy’s players, and the organization hopes to increase that share to 50%.Expanding girls’ participation is an important part of making football more accessible. FLFA also works with partners, including AFRIpads, which supports access to girls’ hygiene products.
Developing coaches and working with partners
The academy says its coaches are certified through the African football certification system, CAF, and that it wants to support their professional development.FLFA also partners with other non-profit organizations when their work complements its own. One example is GIYA, which provides youth leadership education. These partnerships help connect football with other forms of support for children and young people.
Growing with the community
From one Sunday training location, FLFA has grown to two locations and at least two weekly trainings for close to 400 players. The organization intends to continue growing as resources allow.Its work is rooted in Kigali, Rwanda, and focuses on helping disadvantaged children through sport and related support. Football provides a shared activity; education, nutrition, and community programs help make the support more comprehensive.
Frequently asked questions(FAQs) about Future Light Football Academy
How does FLFA support children’s education?
FLFA helps some families with school fees and uniforms. The academy also monitors players’ school attendance and results to encourage them to stay in education.
Can girls join the academy?
Yes. Girls participate in FLFA’s program. They currently make up about 10% of the players, and the academy hopes to increase their participation to 50%.
What do children do besides football training?
Players can also take part in opportunities such as leadership and IT training, music, and dance.
How can I support or contact FLFA?
You can contact Future Light Football Academy through its website to ask about donating, volunteering, partnering, or getting involved.