The 2019 Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) tournament hits climax this Saturday at MUBS grounds, Nakawa. After a month of regional championships, the eight FUFA regions selected their cream of Boys and Girls to represent them at the national finals that started on Wednesday.
There has been exciting talents that have come up in the 8th edition of this U17 Boys and Girls tournament played across the country courtesy of Airtel-Uganda sponsorship.
Girls’ football development has been at the forefront this year while schools were many of the young players taking part come from have also been appreciated with football equipment by the leading 4G telecom company.
Many scouts have keenly followed the tournament to scout players for top and lower tier clubs, schools and national underage teams.
In that regard, FUFA football development director Ali Mwebe credits the tournament for the football products at the underage national teams. “We are privileged to have the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) programme that has run for now 8 years. It is one programme that is all inclusive for the girls and boys under 17 years whether in school or not. It has been helpful to nurture talents from the grassroots,” he told Airtel Football.
The 2019 national ARS champions win among others cash prize of Shs7m whilst the runners up win Shs5m. There are also prizes for individual winners courtesy of the tournament exclusive sponsors Airtel-Uganda.
Kampala Region are the Boys national defending champions whereas Kitara won the Girls category last year.
