How to Join a Football Club in Kenya – Full Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Players

Dreaming of playing professional football in Kenya? Here’s an in-depth guide on how to join a football club in Kenya — from training and trials to getting scouted and signing your first contract.

⚽ Why Football in Kenya is Growing Fast

Football is the most popular sport in Kenya, with millions of young people playing in schools, local tournaments, and community teams. The success of clubs like Gor Mahia FC, AFC Leopards, and the rise of Kenyan players abroad have made football not just a passion, but a possible career path.

Yet many talented players don’t know how to get noticed by clubs or how to join a football academy. This guide breaks it all down for you.

🔍 Step 1: Identify Your Age Group & Position

Before anything else, understand where you fit:

Age 6–12: Grassroots level

Age 13–17: Youth development/academy level

Age 18–22: Advanced/pro trial level

Over 23: Senior/amateur or semi-pro level

Also decide your best playing position:

Defender, Midfielder, Winger, Striker, or Goalkeeper

  Knowing this will help coaches and scouts place you in the right system.

🏫 Step 2: Join a Recognized Football Academy in Kenya

Football academies give you professional coaching, structure, and exposure. Here are some top-rated academies to consider:

✅ Best Football Academies in Kenya:

1. Ligi Ndogo Soccer Club – Nairobi

   Focuses on talent development from a young age.

2. Liberty Sports Academy** – Nairobi

   Has produced national team players.

3.Express Soccer Academy– Mombasa

   Known for its physical training and scouting network.

4. Kasarani Youth Academy

   Offers training sessions and links to local clubs.

Ask questions like:

*Do they offer trials?

* What age groups do they train?

* Do they help players join professional teams?

Pro Tip: Choose an academy that competes in regional or national tournaments.

🏋️‍♂️ Step 3: Build Your Fitness and Skillset

Clubs don’t just look for raw talent. They want fit, disciplined, and smart players. Work on:

* **Stamina and Endurance (sprint drills, long-distance runs)

Ball Control and Dribbling (daily drills at home)

Tactical Awareness(watch matches and study formations)

Discipline (attend training on time, eat well, avoid bad habits)

🥗 Sample Daily Routine for Aspiring Players:

Morning: 30-minute jog + ball work

Midday: Tactical videos + rest

 Evening: Team training + strength drills

📸 Step 4: Create a Football CV and Highlight Reel

Treat yourself like a brand. Clubs want to see your player profile and match highlights.

What to Include in Your Football CV:

* Full name and contact info

* Date of birth and height

* Preferred position(s)

* Clubs/academies played for

* Achievements or tournaments participated in

* Social media or YouTube links to video highlights

Use your phone to record match footage or short 2–3 minute clips showcasing your best moves, goals, passes, or tackles.

🏟️ Step 5: Attend Open Trials in Kenya

Most top-tier clubs in Kenya organize open trials1–2 times a year. These events are where scouts and coaches evaluate new players.

 Where to Find Trials:

* Club websites and social media pages (e.g. Gor Mahia FC, Tusker FC)

* Sports blogs and platforms (like Michezo Afrika)

* Facebook groups (e.g. *Kenyan Football Trials*, *Football in Nairobi*)

* WhatsApp forums for local academies

What to Bring to Trials:

* Training kit

* Cleats and shin guards

* Water bottle

* Copy of your football CV

* ID or birth certificate

Be ready to perform under pressure. Coaches judge based on how well you play with new teammates, decision-making, and effort.

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## 🏅 Step 6: Participate in Regional & Youth Tournaments

Clubs and scouts attend popular tournaments across Kenya to discover new players.

Popular Youth Tournaments in Kenya:

* **Chapa Dimba na Safaricom**

* **Kenya Youth Intercounty League**

* **Sakaja Super Cup (Nairobi County)**

* **COPA Coca-Cola** (when active)

If you help your team win or reach the semifinals, you’ll likely get noticed by scouts or be invited to a bigger club.

📞 Step 7: Get Connected and Stay Updated

Football is not just about skill — **networking matters**.

* Follow club pages and Kenyan football influencers on Instagram and Facebook.

* Join WhatsApp or Telegram groups for trial alerts.

* Talk to coaches and agents — they often know which clubs are recruiting.

* Attend matches and get involved in local sports communities.

💬 Real Testimony (Optional Section for Engagement)

> I joined Liberty Sports Academy in 2022, trained for a year, and was scouted at a tournament in Kisumu. Now I play for a Division 1 team in Nairobi. It all started with taking that first step."

Brian Otieno, 19, Midfielder*

✅ Final Thoughts: Your Dream is Valid

Joining a football club in Kenya isn't about luck — it's about preparation, persistence, and visibility. Start with local academies, keep improving, create a solid profile, and never stop chasing trials and tournaments.

If you’re serious, treat football like a job, not just a hobby. Many Kenyan players have gone on to sign contracts in South Africa, Europe, and even the MLS. Why not you?