The flagship youth football development programme of the Lerato Foundation. Transforming lives through professional training, education, and character development.
Darajani Sports Academy (DSA) is an elite youth development institution committed to the holistic growth of the modern African athlete. Established as the sporting arm of the Lerato Foundation, we believe the football pitch is the most effective classroom for teaching resilience, discipline, and leadership.
We do not just develop footballers; we nurture the leaders of tomorrow. By merging high-performance athletic coaching with mandatory academic support, mentorship, and safeguarding, we provide a pathway to success that is sustainable and life-changing.
As a flagship programme of the Lerato Foundation, we operate under a rigorous governance framework built on transparency, safety, and long-term impact. The Foundation provides the strategic oversight, administrative infrastructure, and community support networks that allow our players to focus on what matters most: their growth.
Guiding our work and shaping the future of African football.
To be Africa's premier youth football development institution, recognized for producing elite athletes, disciplined scholars, and influential community changemakers.
To identify, nurture, and empower young football talent through professional coaching, mentorship, and education, creating a clear pathway for sporting and personal success.
A structured, long-term commitment to every player. We view development as a marathon, not a sprint.
Discovery of raw talent and foundational interest through community engagement and local scouting networks.
Mastery of technical basics and tactical understanding through structured regional training programmes.
Intensive training, advanced tactics, and national exposure for elite players ready to compete at the highest level.
Testing limits against top-tier youth opposition through regular national and regional competitions.
Administrative guidance, welfare, and pathway placement through centralized governance and support systems.
Facilitating professional contracts and global opportunities for players ready to transition to the next level.
Talent alone is not enough. Our curriculum is built on five core pillars.
Science-based coaching focused on technical mastery, tactical intelligence, and physical conditioning.
Strict "Education First" policy. We monitor academic progress to ensure players are prepared for life after football.
Every player is paired with a mentor. We teach goal setting, communication, and decision-making.
International-standard safeguarding protocols. Nutrition, mental wellness support, and a safe, inclusive environment.
Creating "Servant Leaders." Our players are taught to serve their communities and lead by example.
The central nervous system of Darajani Sports Academy – where strategy, governance, and elite training converge.
The supreme administrative and training hub of Darajani Sports Academy. This is the flagship centre where our elite senior players (ages 17–22) undergo professional-level training, tactical development, and career pathway planning. The Main Headquarters oversees all regional branches, sets the technical curriculum, and ensures governance, compliance, and institutional standards across the entire network.
Ages 17 – 22
The premium sub-headquarter of Darajani Sports Academy, designed as a high-performance centre for developing young talent aged 8–19. This academy serves as the primary feeder system for the Main Headquarters, offering world-class coaching, advanced facilities, and a structured pathway to professional football. Players here are groomed with the same philosophy and standards as the senior academy, ensuring a seamless transition to the elite level.
Ages 8 – 19A decentralized institution ensuring we find and develop talent where it thrives. One philosophy, delivered across multiple regions.
A journey of growth, expansion, and impact.
Established in Makindu with a vision to formalize youth football and create structured development pathways.
Relocation to Nairobi, allowing for wider reach, better competitive facilities, and increased visibility.
Scaling our scouting network to five regions and launching our scholarship pathways for talented players.
Strengthening partnerships and moving toward FIFA/FKF compliance with professional governance structures.
Launching the Darajani Elite Academy and formalizing our national branch network across Kenya.
Real numbers, real lives transformed across Kenya.
Darajani Sports Academy is more than a football club. It is a movement. We are building a generation of athletes who are as prepared to lead in the boardroom as they are to score on the pitch. With 867 active players registered across our national branches, we are creating opportunities that change lives.
Are you a scout, a prospective partner, a parent, or an aspiring player? Reach out to our administrative team to learn more about our programmes.