About Us
THE FOUNDATION FOR TALENTS
SINCE FEBRUARY-10-2020
WHO ARE WE?
Rwema Football Academy is a premier football development center under the Rwema Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Rwanda. We are recognized as one of the leading soccer academies in the country, attracting a diverse group of young athletes from various nationalities and backgrounds. Located in the Mahama sector in Kirehe District, 96% of our young athletes reside in the Mahama refugee Camp, making it a unique and vibrant community. This area is home to over a hundred thousand people and represents more than five nationalities, including talents from Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Yemen.
The name Rwema, derived from ancient Rwandan history, translates to "stand like a rock and remain patriotic in the face of adversity." This powerful message is intended to instill pride and confidence in our athletes, both on and off the field.
We are committed to a five-year rolling plan, with the goal of achieving sustainability over the next 20 years. Through our dedicated programs, we aim to nurture the rich talent within our community and help shape the next generation of soccer stars.
OUR TEAM
Though the RWEMA FA team may be modest in size, our dedication and impact are substantial. Meet the individuals driving our mission forward:
Julien SHYAKA
Founder & President
Founder & President of RWEMA Football Academy in Rwanda, dedicated to developing young athletes through football, education, and community values like humanity and giving back. Passionate about empowering the next generation through sports and social growth.
COURTNEY M. Kelly
Chief Scaling & Strategic planning Manager
The Chief Scaling & Strategic Planning Manager at Rwema FA leads growth and scaling efforts, crafting long-term strategies, optimizing resources, and coordinating teams to drive sustainable growth and expand market reach.
KAVAMAHANGA Israel
Finance Manager
As a Finance Manager at Rwema FA, you will oversee financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and compliance. You will drive strategic financial decisions, manage cost efficiencies, and ensure regulatory adherence to support organizational growth. This role requires strong analytical skills, effective leadership, and a background in finance management.
NSABIMANA Emmanuel
Public Relations Manager
The Public Relations Manager at Rwema FA oversees brand reputation, manages media relations, and crafts communication strategies to enhance public image. This role involves building strong industry relationships, coordinating press releases, and promoting Rwema FA’s values and initiatives to the public.
TUYIKORERE Astere
Academy Manager
The Academy Manager at Rwema FA is responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of educational programs, managing staff and resources, and ensuring high-quality training for participants. This role involves curriculum planning, performance monitoring, and fostering a supportive learning environment aligned with Rwema FA’s mission and standards.
MUGABO Patrick
Programs Coordinator
The Programs Coordinator at Rwema FA manages and coordinates program activities, ensuring they run smoothly and meet organizational goals. This role involves planning, scheduling, and overseeing program logistics, as well as supporting staff and participants to ensure effective program delivery and impact.