U-Turns Academy was co-founded by Coach Nkabirwa, a community leader from central Uganda, and Paul Balsom, an international performance advisor with over 30 years in professional football.
The project began with ten children, a borrowed guitar, and a ball made from plastic bags. Today it serves more than 100 boys and girls each week – teaching football, music, and life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
To use football and music as tools for education, inclusion, and personal growth.
A community where every child, regardless of background, has the chance to learn, play, and thrive.
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow the incredible stories of children in central Uganda discovering confidence, creativity, and hope through football, music, and life skills.
You can help a child take a U-turn today.
Every donation directly supports coaching, school materials, musical instruments, and meals.
You’ll get two updates a year and see the difference your support makes.
We welcome clubs, schools, and organizations to collaborate on exchanges, equipment drives, and educational projects.
Support the academy by purchasing U-Turns T-shirts, caps, and local crafts made by the community.
