Building Sports Chaplaincy in Rwanda Through Football 

For almost 20 years, Mark, our National Director for Scotland, has been travelling to Rwanda to serve alongside local communities through football.

Twice each year, he leads a team of youth players and coaches to the country. His latest visit marked another important step in the development of Karongi Football Academy, where football, education, community support and sports chaplaincy are being brought together to invest in the lives of young people.


 

Creating opportunities through football 

Karongi Football Academy is based in Rubengera, in Rwanda’s Western Province.

The idea began after the Rwandan Football Association asked Scottish Football for Rwanda to explore how it could support grassroots youth football in the Karongi district. Local research found that the area had no structured youth football programme, very little equipment and few experienced coaches.

The academy launched in October 2025 with an ambitious vision to support around 280 children and young people through regular training, qualified coaching and competitive football.

Plans include mixed and boys’ and girls’ squads across several age groups, alongside work with 25 schools in Rubengera and communities across the wider district. The academy also aims to provide equipment, organise football festivals and create leagues and cup competitions for young players.

However, the vision extends far beyond developing sporting ability.

The academy wants to help young people become the best people, players and coaches they can be. Players are encouraged to work hard at school, respect their teammates, remain willing to learn and develop skills and values that will serve them throughout life.

Many of the children involved come from difficult circumstances. By combining football with education, vocational training and consistent support, the academy hopes to create new opportunities for young people while strengthening the communities around them.

Learn more about Karongi Football Academy here.
 

Placing chaplaincy at the heart of the academy

During his recent visit, Mark trained Pascal to serve as chaplain to the academy.

Pascal will provide pastoral and spiritual support to the young players, coaches and others connected with the project. He will serve alongside Clement, a trusted Christian partner who oversees the wider work locally.

This means that as the academy grows, the wellbeing of each young person will remain central to its work.

A sports chaplain is concerned with more than what happens during training or on the pitch. Chaplains offer a trusted and compassionate presence, creating space for people to talk about the challenges they are facing and receive support through both the successes and difficulties of life.

For young people growing up in an area deeply affected by the legacy of the 1994 genocide, that consistent presence and care can be particularly valuable.

Training Pascal is an important step towards ensuring the academy develops not only talented footballers, but supported, confident and hopeful young people.
 

“No Scotland, No Party”

The recent visit also attracted wider attention after children at the academy were filmed singing “No Scotland, No Party” during a World Cup watch party.

Wearing football kits donated by Scottish supporters, the young players celebrated the connection that has developed between their community and Scotland.

The moment offered a joyful picture of what can grow from a sustained partnership. Donations of kits and equipment have helped expand football opportunities for children at the academy, while visiting coaches and volunteers continue to support its long-term development.

Read the full “No Scotland, No Party” article here.
 

We are grateful for Mark’s long-standing commitment to Rwanda, for Pascal and Clement’s local leadership, and for everyone helping to build an academy where young people can discover belonging, purpose and hope.

Please pray for the academy as it develops, for the children and families it serves, and for Pascal as he begins his chaplaincy role.