Future Stars Academy readies to host Talent Showcase 2026

ARUSHA: FUTURE Stars Academy is set to host Talent Showcase 2026, a special football talent identification programme aimed at providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities.

The five-day event will be held from July 8 to 12 at the academy’s Youth Empowerment Centre in Arusha, bringing together talented footballers in the Under-20 and Under-23 age categories.

Player agents, youth coaches and scouts from Tanzania and beyond are expected to attend the showcase to identify promising young players for recruitment and development.

A total of 10 clubs from Tanzania and Kenya have confirmed participation by sending representatives to assess emerging talent. The clubs are Simba , Young Africans , Fountain Gate , Mbuni , Coastal Union , JKT Tanzania , Gunners , TMA Stars, Pamba Jiji FC and Kenya Police .

 Future Stars Academy Director Alfred Itaeli said the initiative is intended to bridge the gap between talented young footballers and clubs while creating pathways for them to advance their careers.

“Our objective is to provide young players with a platform to showcase their talent. We believe the agents and coaches attending the event will have an excellent opportunity to identify quality players, particularly at a time when many clubs are preparing for the new season following the conclusion of various league competitions, including the Premier League and the Championship,” he said.

He said the academy selected the Under-20 and Under-23 age groups because they represent a crucial stage for players seeking opportunities to join professional clubs. Added, Younger players continue to benefit through the Chipkizi Cup, which has become an important platform for identifying and nurturing football talent.

ALSO READ: Tanzania clubs CAF fate on edge

Highlighting the impact of the programme, Mr Itaeli said both the Talent Showcase and the Chipkizi Cup have already produced positive results, with some players securing opportunities to play abroad while others have joined clubs within Tanzania.

He revealed that three Future Stars Academy Under-17 players earned places in the Young Africans SC youth team through the Chipkizi Cup, while others went on to join Mashujaa FC U20, demonstrating the programme’s growing role in developing the country’s next generation of football talent.