Brave Warriors and English Championship giant Blackburn Rovers industrious defender, Ryan Nyambe says the long-term objective of his recently launched Nyambe Football Academy is to create multiple pathways that will see more young Namibians enter the European football market.
Speaking to New Era Sport on the sidelines of his first coaching clinic held through his academy at the Namibia Football Association (NFA) Technical Centre in Katutura on Saturday, a delighted Nyambe expressed satisfaction with the turnout and how his first training session managed to attract participants from all backgrounds.
Saturday’s coaching clinic, which attracted more than 30 boys and girls, saw the 23-year-old defender sharing and teaching basic football skills with the young participants. Important life skills were also shared with the youngsters by the Namibian England-based right-back.
The over 30 participants were taken through the ropes on basic skills of football, such as ball-handling techniques, basic body exercises and the importance of using football as a tool to create a future of limitless opportunities.
Saturday’s session was part of a series of more coaching clinics.
Through his Nyambe Football Academy, the young defender wants to ensure he creates opportunities for many youngsters as possible.
“I am delighted and humbled to have started this initiative that is so close to my heart. Growing up I was just a normal kid who played soccer in the streets of Windhoek. I was only privileged enough to have gone abroad at an early age, where I was exposed to some of the best facilities, opportunities and guidance in the UK. It is, therefore, my dream to give this platform to kids so that they too can one day be able to make their dreams come true and hopefully pass it on to the next generations,” said Nyambe.
He said Namibia has overwhelming talent, as he saw some kids who really impressed him and he is looking forward to an amazing journey with them.
“It’s amazing to see parents bringing their kids to the pitch because this was not so common in my time. It shows that parents are starting to understand the importance of sport and the positive impact it can have on their children’s lives.”
Asked about the future plans of his academy, Nyambe said the long-term objective of the Nyambe Football Academy is to create sustainable pathways for young Namibian footballers to enter and establish themselves in the European markets, where they will be exposed to advanced facilities and endless opportunities while still at an early age.
“This is a learning stage for us, so for now we are only focused on training sessions. We will eventually become a fully-fledged academy with registered players who will get the right training, guidance, mentoring and management. Football is a demanding sport, so the kids need to be well taken care of to ensure that they put in the necessary efforts while balancing their academics and other domestic responsibilities.”
The second and third sessions will take place on Saturday and next Tuesday, 25 May at the same venue. Registration and training bookings can be done at www.nyambefootballacademy.com.