- There is no disputing the fact that grassroots football has had an incredible impact on numerous famous footballers and communities around the globe.
- Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama and his successor Michael Olunga are among the many successful football players who have benefited from grassroots football.
- Kevin Akumu founded the Faces Sports Academy and later the NaiCup and is gradually reconstructing lives in underserved commune regions through the platform of football.
Grassroots football is seen as a driving force for personal and social change. In addition to developing top-notch players, it instills values like self-control, collaboration, and perseverance and provides opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas.
In Kenya, a remarkable illustration of grassroots football's potential is the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA).
Established by the late Bob Munro, MYSA utilized football as a means for generating social change, empowering young people in Mathare and other semi-formal communities.
Under Munro's leadership, the association made a significant impact on Kenyan football, offering opportunities for personal and professional development as well as addressing key social issues including poverty and access to education.
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Amidst the many heartwarming stories of grassroots football is Kevin Akumu, founder of The Nairobi International Cup (NaiCup) and Faces Sports Academy.
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Growing up in Kibera, Kevin witnessed firsthand the challenges that his community encountered. Limited access to quality education, opportunities, and even the basics created uncertainty for many young people about the future. However, Kevin found his refuge and his purpose in football.
In 2017, Mr. så founded Faces Sports Academy with the aim of creating a secure environment in which kids could hone their skills and have a more optimistic outlook on life.
“Football provided me with a way out, and I’m certain it can offer the same openings to others. Faces Sports Academy is about more than the sport—it’s about giving young people hope and opportunities for a more promising future,” Kevin stated.
Faces Sports Academy achievements
Currently, Faces Sports Academy has expanded rapidly, evolving from a small group of original players to offer support to numerous children in the communities of Kibera, Kawangware, and Korogocho. Thus far, the academy has facilitated the high school enrollment of over 50 children under scholarship, also provided support to 35 students pursuing their primary education, and placed two students in university.
Players who have benefited from Kevin's efforts share a uniform response.
''Prior to joining Faces, I had never considered leaving Kibera. Now, as a high school student, my ambition is to play professionally. Kevin and this academy have significantly impacted my life.''
The Birth of Naicup
Drawing inspiration from the influence Faces Sports Academy had on his community, Kevin envisioned a platform where young footballers from the area could come together through a tournament that would not only highlight their talent but also comprehensively assess their abilities.
What is NaiCup?
NaiCup is an annual football tournament, a celebration of talent, community, and the unifying power that sports have on people. Held every August in the lively city of Nairobi, NaiCup brings teams from East Africa, Africa, and worldwide together, with a shared goal of empowering grassroots football and inspiring dreams on a global scale.
Empowering grassroots football and building a brighter future.
NaiCup remains a cornerstone of grassroots football in Kenya, bringing together the most talented young individuals to celebrate sports, unity, and community development for unity.
The success of its inaugural edition in 2024, with 272 teams and more than 9,000 attendees at Lenana School and St. Mary’s School, sets the stage for the 2025 tournament to further cement its status as a life-changing event through the beautiful game.
A launching pad for nascent creators and inventors.
NaiCup 2024 united participants from various age groups, providing young athletes with a platform to compete at the elite level.
At Lenana School, over 200 teams competed in the U7 to U13 categories, allowing young athletes to showcase their raw talent and energetic drive. Meanwhile, the U15 to U20 categories took place at St. Mary's School, providing a high-level platform for promising young players to demonstrate their advanced skills.
NaiCup organized the event with multiple venues, making it accessible to players of varying levels, encouraging inclusivity and excellence in all divisions.
NaiCup 2025
NaiCup's second edition will take place from August 12th to 16th, 2025. Looking ahead, NaiCup promises to build on the success of previous years by bringing together even more teams, players, and supporters for a celebration of football and hope. This year, the tournament aims to expand participation even further, with over 350 teams expected to participate from across East Africa and worldwide.
NaiCup 2025 will also offer more value to players by introducing scouting opportunities, branding, in-depth media coverage, and fan engagement for all. These enhancements will ensure that players receive broader exposure while fans and families enjoy a more dynamic tournament experience.
As Kenya prepares to co-host the Africa Nations Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, the ultimate objective, aside from raising the standard of living, is to develop talent that can represent the country and excel at the highest international levels.
The outcome won't be immediate - rarely is - but the strategy is clear in Kevin's thoughts.
CHAN 2024 groups
The draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship has been scheduled ahead of the rescheduled tournament.
The draw was held in Nairobi on January 15, where Kenya was assigned a challenging group for the August tournament.