Kenya Hockey Federation Launches Youth Talent Program in Partnership with the Dutch

 



By Gilbert Mmbaya

In a bold step toward revitalizing the sport from the grassroots, the Kenya Hockey Federation (KHF) has officially launched a youth talent development program at Nairobi’s iconic City Park Stadium. This transformative initiative—developed in partnership with the Dutch government and sports development partners from the Netherlands—is set to mold the future stars of Kenyan hockey, starting with children as young as five years old.

The program’s design goes beyond stick-and-ball training. It merges technical skill development with holistic growth, offering lessons in hygiene, discipline, teamwork, and computer literacy. According to KHF, the aim is to not only produce top-tier athletes but also well-rounded individuals equipped for modern challenges.

“We want to introduce the sport to kids as young as three, to give them a strong technical and mental foundation early on,” said Carolyne Mabwayi, a former national team player and one of the lead coaches for the program. “In the past, many players discovered hockey only in high school, but this model is changing that.”

Currently, over 100 children are participating in weekly training sessions. The long-term vision is to see many of them represent their schools, move on to national age-group teams, or even return to the program as coaches—a cycle of mentorship that has already begun.

The Dutch partnership has been instrumental in shaping the initiative. Jet De Graeff, who represents the Netherlands in the collaboration, emphasized the role of sport in character formation.

“Our goal is not just to teach hockey but to build better individuals. That’s why this program also incorporates life skills and emotional support for the children,” said De Graeff.

Beyond training sessions, the program includes regular coaching clinics, donations of equipment, and structured mentorship pathways. These components are part of a broader push by KHF and Kenya’s Ministry of Sports to elevate the country’s performance on both regional and global hockey stages.

Officials believe that the initiative could be a turning point for Kenyan hockey, opening doors not just to athletic excellence but also to educational and professional growth for the youth involved.


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