FUFA Juniors League
| Founded | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Country | Uganda |
| Confederation | FUFA |
| Number of clubs | 16 (2025 season) |
| Level on pyramid | Youth (U-17/U-18) |
| Current: 2025 FUFA Juniors League | |
The FUFA Juniors League is a Ugandan national youth football competition organized by the FUFA. Established in 2015, the league serves as a developmental platform for players under 17 and under 18, involving youth teams affiliated with Uganda Premier League clubs.[1]
History
The inaugural FUFA Juniors League kicked off on 17 May 2015 at Lugogo’s Phillip Omondi Stadium, featuring 13 U-17 teams divided into two groups. KCC Academy claimed victory in the opening match, defeating Vipers JT 1–0 in the presence of FUFA President Moses Magogo.[2]
Participation later became mandatory for all clubs in the Uganda Premier League as part of FUFA’s club licensing regulations.[3]
Format
As of 2025, the league features 16 junior teams, each representing a Uganda Premier League club. They are divided into two groups Treble and Hat-trick each with eight teams.[4]
Player eligibility
- 5 players born in 2007 (including at least one goalkeeper)
- 15 players born in 2008–2009 (including one goalkeeper)
- 5 players born in 2010 (including one goalkeeper)
Each squad may register up to 25 players, with parental consent and proof of identification required.[5]
Purpose and development role
The FUFA Juniors League is designed as a feeder system for Uganda’s youth national teams, particularly the U-17 Cubs. It provides competitive exposure to young players and prepares them for international tournaments such as the AFCON U-17.[6]
Participating teams
The 2025 edition of the FUFA Juniors League features 16 teams divided into two groups:
Treble Group
- BUL FC JT
- Express FC JT
- Gaddafi FC JT
- Kitara FC JT
- Mbarara City FC JT
- NEC FC JT
- URA FC JT
- Vipers Junior Team
Hat-trick Group
- Bright Stars FC JT
- KCCA Soccer Academy (SA)
- Lugazi FC JT
- Maroons FC JT
- Mbale Heroes FC JT
- SC Villa JT
- Wakiso Giants FC JT
- Jinja North United JT
Season-by-season champions
| Season | Champion | Runner-up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | Vipers Junior Team | Onduparaka JT | First edition completed; Vipers JT crowned champions |
| 2016–17 | KCCA Soccer Academy | Soana JT | |
| 2017–18 | Vipers Junior Team | KCCA Soccer Academy | Vipers JT win second title |
| 2018–19 | Police Armless Brigade JT | Onduparaka JT | Surprise winners |
| 2019–20 | SC Villa JT | BUL JT | Season completed before COVID-19 disruptions |
| 2020–21 | No competition held due to COVID-19 pandemic | ||
| 2021–22 | BUL JT | URA JT | Return of the competition |
| 2022–23 | BUL JT | KCCA Soccer Academy | Third title for Vipers JT |
| 2023–24 | BUL JT | KCCA Soccer Academy | Richard Okello scores in 1–0 final win |
| 2024–25 | Ongoing | – | Season in progress |
Notable clubs
- Vipers Junior Team – (2015–16, 2017–18)[7]
- KCCA Soccer Academy
- BUL FC Junior Team – (2022–23, 2023–24 champions[8][7]
References
- ^ Marsha, Ahmed (2025-04-27). "FUFA Juniors League: BUL FC Junior Team, KCCA FC Soccer Academy shine as League Resumes". FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
- ^ "Youth football: First ever FUFA Juniors League kicks off". FUFA. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
- ^ "FUFA confirms national finals for Juniors League season". MTN Sports Uganda. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
- ^ a b "FUFA Juniors League 2025 to kick off on February 8th". FUFA. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
- ^ "2025 FUFA Juniors League season: A new era in talent development". The Touchline Sports. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
- ^ "7th Juniors League to commence in February". ChimpReports. 6 February 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Bul confident of completing a four-peat in Junior League". Monitor. 2025-02-06. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
- ^ Reporter, Our (2023-08-05). "BUL FC Junior Team Win 2022/23 FUFA Juniors League Title". SoftPower News. Retrieved 2025-08-28.