Edgar’s Youth Academy has embarked on an exciting football and tourism experience in Germany, with a contingent of 32 players, parents and coaches.

The young players were flagged off at African Bible University in Lubowa by FUFA CEO and Edgar’s Director, Edgar Watson Suubi, who commended parents for their continued support towards nurturing the youngsters from the grassroots.

Watson said the academy remains committed to developing young footballers and guiding them towards professional football, the national leagues and the national team.

He cited former academy players including Stephen Mukwala, Saidi Mayanja and Ibrahim Mugulusi as examples of talents who have progressed through the youth programme.

“This trip is about changing the way people see things. You will see culture and how countries develop. Make friends where you can and learn. Tourism is also part of the journey,” Watson said.

The trip is the academy’s first international tour since the COVID-19 outbreak, with Watson revealing plans for more regional and international tours, including trips to Zanzibar and Italy.

The programme combines football, training and tourism, with the youngsters scheduled to visit some of Germany and Austria’s major sporting and tourist attractions.

Among the highlights is a visit to the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich, as well as Red Bull Salzburg. The contingent will also watch a DFB Cup match between 1860 Munich and Holstein Kiel on August 22.

The academy’s teams will also play a number of friendly matches. On August 24, the U-7 and U-12 teams are scheduled to face SV Helios Daglfing, while the U-13 and U-16 sides will take on SV München Laim.

The itinerary also includes training sessions, stadium and museum tours, sightseeing and a visit to BMW World.

A day in Salzburg will feature sightseeing, a visit to the Mozart House and Red Bull Salzburg, while the group will also have an opportunity to experience Munich’s culture and landmarks.

The contingent is scheduled to return to Uganda on August 27, with the academy describing the trip as an opportunity for its young stars to gain football experience, broaden their horizons and create lasting memories.

The tour programme includes:

• August 19: Arrival in Munich, hotel check-in and a visit to the FC Bayern Campus, including a Bayern Munich U-19 vs VfB Stuttgart U-19 match.
• August 20: Training and jogging session, Allianz Arena tour and Bayern Munich Museum visit.
• August 21: Training at SV München Laim, visit to BMW World and preparation for the DFB Cup match.
• August 22: Training, followed by the DFB Cup match between 1860 Munich and Holstein Kiel.
• August 23: Salzburg sightseeing, including the Mozart House and a visit to Red Bull Salzburg.
• August 24: Friendly matches between the academy teams and SV Helios Daglfing and SV München Laim.
• August 25: Freestyle and professional match activities, including a visit to the Löwenbräu area and a match between FC Isar and Memmingen II.
• August 26: Sightseeing and shopping in Munich before a farewell dinner.
• August 27: Departure from Munich and return to Uganda.