At the recent SportsBiz Africa Forum, a gathering that drew dignitaries, business leaders, and sports innovators from across the continent, we at Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd (AGR Ltd) were honored to be part of the conversation on how sports can drive social and economic development in Africa.

The Forum provided a platform where nations and organizations explored how football and sport at large can be powerful tools for youth empowerment, education, and community transformation. For us, it was a special opportunity to share our story of locally made soccer balls, a simple idea with a profound purpose.

Thirty-three coaches from Gicumbi District have completed a training program that awarded them the CAF D License certificate. The training was organized by Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd in partnership with the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).

The nine-day program was officially opened in Kigali by Gérard Buscher, Technical Director at FERWAFA. It was facilitated by instructors Rutsindura Antoine and Kwizera Jean Pierre, both of whom are certified coach educators under FERWAFA.

During the closing ceremony, Kanamugire Fidèle, FERWAFA’s Commissioner for Technical and Football Development, praised Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd for its contribution to nurturing young talents. He also thanked the churches supported by Compassion International for sending participants, and acknowledged Compassion International Cluster Gicumbi for sponsoring the training.

Kanamugire further commended Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd for its idea of producing training materials, including footballs, for the graduates. He stressed that it is not common for coaches to complete a CAF D License course and immediately be given equipment to support their work. He assured Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd that FERWAFA will continue partnering with them to train more coaches who will work with young players.

Pastor Seneza Jean Paul, Director of Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd, expressed his satisfaction with how the training was conducted and highlighted the expected positive impact on the participants.

He said, “This was a successful program. The coaches we trained were already supporting children in Compassion projects in Gicumbi District. They include 13 women and 20 men who will now work with children in 13 different projects and churches. Our aim was to expand their knowledge so that they can train children at a higher level.”

He added, “We want to raise players who have both talent and values, children who will grow into useful members of society in the future. The values we want them to have must be instilled from an early age.”

Pastor Seneza also noted that although this initiative began in Gicumbi, he believes it will be expanded to other parts of the country where Compassion International operates.

Instructor Rutsindura Antoine said he was impressed with the level of commitment shown by the trainees. “It was beginner-level training, but I saw very motivated beginners who have goals and a vision,” he said.

Graduate coach Habaguhirwa Vincent Jackson reflected on the experience: “We gained valuable knowledge. Before, we only helped children play casually, but now we have the skills to coach them properly in a way that does not compromise our faith.”

Another graduate, Mukansigayehe Françoise, shared her perspective: “I used to think football was just something ordinary, but I have realized that football is taught, and it involves many things we did not know. I learned that football has rules that must be respected. Now we have been sent to put into practice what we learned and see results. My personal goal is to raise children whose talents have not yet been discovered. I am confident that I will continue pursuing higher coaching licenses.”

Ambassadors Group Rwanda Ltd has established itself in football development in Rwanda, currently running three academies: a national-level academy in Nyamagabe District, one in Kibagabaga in Kigali, and another in Kamonyi District launched in July this year.

The organization is affiliated with Ambassadors Football International, a Christian ministry that works with churches to develop children’s talents while teaching the Word of God.

Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills ….. and so much more
Dan Money
Chair of Trustees, Ambassadors Football Great Britain
August 2025

Earlier this year, following widowhood and retirement, I embarked on a solo travel to South Africa. That journey stirred in me a desire to continue exploring Africa. Within weeks of returning home, an invitation arrived from Pastor Jean-Paul Seneza in Rwanda, asking for support in running camps, football outreaches, and coaches’ training. We connected—and I have just returned from spending two and a half weeks with him and his team.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I discovered was one of the most welcoming, beautiful, and joy-filled countries I have ever visited. The people of Rwanda go above and beyond to make guests feel not just welcome, but truly part of their family. Staying at Dove Hotel, attached to the ADEPR church headquarters, I experienced warm hospitality and was blessed with passionate, vibrant worship just outside my door.