BY ALEX WEKESA .

A new dawn is breaking for young football talents in Western Kenya as Nastic Sports Academy, a prestigious international football academy based in Spain, launches a landmark scouting initiative in partnership with Honourable Majimbo Kalasinga, Member of Parliament for Kabuchai Constituency in Bungoma County.

Speaking during a press briefing held at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma County on Thursday, Hon.Kalasinga announced the official launch of the partnership, which aims to identify and nurture gifted footballers from across the Western region by offering them full scholarships to pursue both academic and football training opportunities at Nastic Sports Academy in Spain.

According to the legislator, the scholarship program will cover all costs associated with education and professional football development, amounting to approximately Kshs 12 million per selected player. The package includes tuition up to university level, accommodation, training, medical insurance, and a guaranteed attachment to a professional football club within the European Union. “This is a life-changing opportunity for our young people.We want to unlock their potential not only in sports but also in academics.

The scholarships will support their education and also give them exposure to international football standards,” Hon. Kalasinga stated.Hon. Kalasinga emphasized that this initiative is not just about football, but also about creating long-term opportunities for youth empowerment and development. He noted that many gifted young people in the region are held back by lack of exposure, funding, or access to professional-level training.

“As leaders, we must invest in our youth. By partnering with institutions like Nastic Sports Academy, we are giving our children a passport to global opportunities. Sports is a multi-billion industry, and we want our youth to have a seat at that table,” the MP said.The Kabuchai legislator called on other counties and constituencies to replicate similar programs to harness the full potential of Kenyan youth in sports.He further expressed optimism that the partnership will expand in the coming years to accommodate more schools and participants, eventually turning Western Kenya into a hub for football excellence.

The initiative, which kicked off this week, brings together six top-performing high school football teams from Bungoma and neighboring counties to compete in a two-day scouting tournament. The schools participating in the inaugural edition include St. Mary’s Kibabii Boys, Teremi Boys, and Bukembe Boys from Bungoma County; Vihiga Boys High School from Vihiga County; and St. Anthony Boys High School and St. Patrick’s Koikoi High School from Trans Nzoia County.

In the opening match held on Thursday, St. Anthony Boys High School and St. Mary’s Kibabii Boys High School battled to a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter that showcased the high level of talent and discipline among the participating teams.The final matches of the tournament are scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18th October 2025, with scouts from Nastic Sports Academy expected to make their final selection shortly thereafter.

Present at the press briefing was David Kenga, a Kenyan-born representative of Nastic Sports Academy, who played a key role in facilitating the partnership. Originally from Kilifi County and now based in the United States, Kenga has been instrumental in identifying and supporting African talent for international exposure through sport. “We believe in the power of football to transform lives,” said Kenga. “Nastic Sports Academy offers not just world-class training, but also academic excellence.

For us, discipline is as important as talent. We are looking for young people who are committed, respectful, and ready to put in the hard work”, Kenga said.He urged the students to maintain discipline both on and off the field, noting that character development is a central pillar of the Academy’s training model.

Kenga also highlighted the success of previous Kenyan players who have passed through the Academy and are now playing professionally in Europe.One such player is Aldrine Kibet, a rising star from Kenya who trained with Nastic Sports Academy before joining a European football club. Another is Amos Wanjala, who also benefited from similar programs and now plays professionally abroad. Their stories are being used to inspire the current cohort of aspiring players.

While only a handful of students are expected to be selected in the first round, the scouts have indicated that future editions will continue to identify new talent from the region.Soccer fans lauded the initiative, saying it would motivate students to pursue both academic and athletic excellence.Erick Makokha one of the Spectators , said the program had already boosted morale among players and rekindled hope among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “These are the kinds of opportunities we’ve been praying for.

Our players are excited and determined. Whether selected or not, this exposure is invaluable,” Makokha stated.Meanwhile, students participating in the trials expressed hope that their performance would earn them a coveted spot at the Spanish academy. Many see the program as a stepping stone toward international football careers, something that was previously unimaginable for rural youth in the region.

The final matches on Saturday will determine the list of shortlisted players who will undergo further vetting and interviews before the final scholarship awardees are announced. The selected players will travel to Spain early next year, where they will be fully integrated into the Academy’s system.Organizers say they are also exploring the possibility of establishing a regional satellite center in Kenya to provide year-round training for promising players.