Future Football Academy: Coach Bebe's Mission to Rebuild Rwanda's Football from the Grassroots

In an exclusive interview with Hobe Australia, Coach Nshizirungu Hubert, commonly known as Bebe, shared the inspiring journey and renewed mission of Future Football Academy, a grassroots initiative aimed at equipping Rwandan children with foundational football skills. ‎Founded in 2015, Future Football Academy focuses on boys and girls aged 5 to 14, with the primary goal of teaching the basic principles of football a critical gap that Coach Bebe says has long affected the development of players in Rwanda. ‎“Many young players in our country reach the age of 15 or even higher without understanding the basics of football. Our goal is to make sure that doesn’t happen,” ‎The academy, which had temporarily paused due to lack of access to a consistent training ground, has now resumed its programs. Training takes place at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, with sessions held every weekend during the school year and daily during holidays. ‎Future Football Academy prioritizes quality over quantity by limiting each age group to a maximum of 30 children. These players are trained by licensed coaches, many of whom are former players with years of on-field experience. “We want our children to be guided by professionals who not only studied coaching but also played the game. That hands-on experience is invaluable,” said Bebe. ‎Beyond technical skill, the academy incorporates football rules, discipline, and even refereeing knowledge into its curriculum. This is meant to produce players who are not only talented but also understand the game in a broader, more intelligent way. ‎“We’ve seen referees who let emotions take over or show favoritism. We want to raise a new generation that values fairness and professionalism,” Bebe added. ‎ ‎The academy has already produced several promising players. Among the most notable is Irene, who graduated from Future Football Academy and now plays for Kiyovu Sports, one of Rwanda’s top-tier clubs. Several other alumni are active in the Second Division. ‎ ‎During school holidays, the academy not only increases training frequency but also organizes educational and recreational trips. Visits to places like Nyanza’s historical sites offer children mental refreshment and cultural exposure contributing to their overall growth as individuals.