Our Programs
Senior Boy's Soccer Team
The senior team, made up of 25 committed male players aged 17 and older, stands as a powerful example of what determination, discipline, and teamwork can achieve. Over the years, these athletes have grown together—both as teammates and as young leaders within their communities.
Their dedication was rewarded in 2018, when they proudly advanced to the regional league, the third-highest tier in Uganda’s national soccer system. Driven by a deep sense of community pride and collective ambition, the team continues to push forward with the goal of maintaining their place among the top divisions in Ugandan football.
But their impact goes far beyond the game.
Each player actively contributes to the greater mission of Empower Youth Corp. by mentoring younger athletes, participating in community events, and passing down the values of hard work, resilience, and sportsmanship. Whether traveling more than 100 miles (160 km) for away matches or training on their local pitch, they consistently demonstrate unwavering camaraderie and commitment.
The team thrives under the seasoned leadership of Manager Friday Syfa, a certified national referee, and Coach Murungi Gilbert, whose guidance ensures a balance of competitive excellence and personal development. Together, they foster an environment where players are empowered to grow as athletes—and as role models for the next generation.
Under-17 Boy's Soccer Team
This tight-knit team of 31 boys forms the core of Empower Youth Corp’s intermediate age group, bridging the gap between emerging talent and elite competition. They serve as a vital pipeline to the senior team, sharpening their skills while also welcoming younger players who show promise and are recommended by their coaches.
More than just a training ground, this team thrives on camaraderie and shared experience. Through friendly matches and local tournaments—often held during holidays and community events—they build lasting bonds and a strong sense of sportsmanship. These gatherings are more than games; they’re celebrations of growth, unity, and the spirit of EYC.
Their development is carefully guided by Coach Mujibu Malik, with the steadfast support of Assistant Coach Murungi Gilbert. Together, they provide not only technical training but also mentorship that fosters discipline, confidence, and a deep love for the game.
Under-13 Boy's Soccer Team
This vibrant team of 22 young children represents the foundation of Empower Youth Corp.—our youngest and most energetic group, full of curiosity, enthusiasm, and a deep desire to learn. Though their age sometimes limits formal competition opportunities, their commitment is unwavering. They enthusiastically participate in nearly all EYC activities, dedicating weekends and holidays to training, while balancing their academic responsibilities during the week.
Despite limited access to official matches due to resource constraints, these spirited players take every chance to compete in friendly games and small tournaments, and their hunger for more opportunities is palpable. They may play the fewest matches, but their passion for the game is unmatched.
Leading their journey is Coach Murungi Gilbert, supported by Mujibu Malik, a senior team player who brings both experience and a nurturing presence to the pitch. Together, they foster not only athletic skill but also joy, confidence, and a strong foundation that will carry these young athletes forward—on and off the field.
Women's Soccer Team
This trailblazing women’s soccer team—the first of its kind in the community and the only all-female team within Empower Youth Corp.—is a powerful symbol of progress and empowerment. Formed in 2018, the team has grown to include 22 talented players of varying ages, and in just a few seasons, they have become a regional powerhouse, finishing as the second-best team in the area by the end of last season.
But their impact goes far beyond the scoreboard.
This team is redefining what’s possible for women in sports in a community where such opportunities were once nearly nonexistent. Their rise has sparked a cultural shift—breaking down barriers, inspiring other women and girls, and encouraging those who once watched from the sidelines to step onto the field. Backed by the strong support of the men’s teams, with several senior players volunteering their time as coaches and mentors, the women’s team has cultivated a spirit of inclusivity, courage, and community.
Their rapid success has been nothing short of remarkable—surpassing all other teams in growth and achievement within such a short period. At the helm is Coach Murungi Gilbert, whose vision and leadership are complemented by Coach Mujib Malik and Manager Friday Syfa. Together, they’ve transformed what once seemed like an unlikely dream into a beacon of hope and pride for the entire community.
This team isn’t just playing the game—they’re changing it for generations to come.
Women's Netball Team
This pioneering team of 15 dedicated women proudly holds the honor of being Empower Youth Corp’s very first female squad. In a region where women’s teams are few and formal leagues are scarce, they have carved out their own path—competing in friendly matches and community tournaments held during special events and holidays.
With an open-age policy, the team welcomes players from all backgrounds and experience levels, creating a truly inclusive and empowering environment. This diversity brings together a wide range of skills, perspectives, and stories, enriching the team’s dynamic and fostering a strong sense of sisterhood and mutual support.
Despite the lack of a formal league, these women play with passion, purpose, and resilience—proving that opportunity isn’t given, it’s created. Their commitment to the game and to each other continues to inspire, paving the way for future generations of female athletes in the community.
Running Team
This is Empower Youth Corp’s most diverse and unifying team—a collective that brings together members from every EYC program, united by a shared passion for running. At the heart of this team is the annual Christmas Run, held every December 23rd since 2012—a beloved tradition founded by Olympian Julius Mutekanga himself.
The event has grown into a vibrant community celebration, attracting participants aged 7 to 55, including many individuals outside the organization. Men and women from all walks of life lace up their shoes each year, creating a powerful sense of unity, joy, and shared purpose. The Christmas Run has become more than just a race—it’s a symbol of community connection and empowerment through sport.
The running team has also served as a launchpad for talent, with several members going on to compete at the national level, proudly representing EYC. Their achievements reflect the spirit of the organization and the legacy of Julius’s own Olympic journey—proving that with the right support and belief, extraordinary things can begin with a single stride.
Community Service Team
Since 2018, community service has been a cornerstone of Empower Youth Corp’s mission, rooted in the understanding that true empowerment extends beyond the field. In a country like Uganda, where many communities face daily struggles with inadequate infrastructure, sanitation, and access to basic services, EYC steps in not only as a sports organization—but as a force for positive change.
Led by coaches, senior players, and dedicated volunteers, EYC athletes regularly engage in hands-on service projects that address urgent local needs. Their efforts include cleaning village streets, markets, rivers, trenches, and trading centers—bringing dignity and care to public spaces that are often overlooked. These acts of service are not just about tidying up; they’re about instilling responsibility, pride, and a deep connection between the athletes and their communities.
In return, the community rallies behind EYC. Families and neighbors show up in full force to support the teams at both home and away games—cheering not only for goals scored, but for the character and commitment these young athletes display every day.
Through service, EYC teaches its members that greatness isn’t just measured in victories, but in the impact you make on the world around you.