Kenya Hockey Federation Launches Youth Talent Program in Partnership with the Dutch
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Dutch government and sports development partners from the Netherlands.
The Kenya Youth Hockey Federation. Photo/KHF.
By Gilbert Mmbaya
The Kenya Hockey Federation (KHF) has launched a groundbreaking youth talent development program at City Park Stadium in Nairobi, aimed at nurturing the next generation of hockey stars from an early age.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Dutch government and sports development partners from the Netherlands.
The program, which targets children aged between 5 and 16 years, is designed to equip young players with foundational skills in hockey while also focusing on personal development through training in hygiene, discipline, teamwork, and computer literacy.
“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, one of the lead coaches and a former national team player. “In the past, many players discovered hockey only in high school, but this model is changing that.”
Currently, over 100 children are enrolled in the weekly sessions. Many of them will go on to play for their schools or graduate into national age-group teams. The program has already begun to bear fruit, with some former participants returning as coaches to train the new batch of talent.
The Dutch involvement has been key, offering both technical and moral support. Jet De Graeff, representing the Netherlands in the initiative, emphasized the importance of early development and mentorship.
“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.
The initiative also includes regular coaching clinics, donations of equipment, and structured mentorship programs. It is part of a broader effort by KHF and the Ministry of Sports to strengthen grassroots hockey and position Kenya as a competitive force in regional and international competitions.
The Kenya Hockey Federation is hopeful that this initiative will not only raise the standard of the sport nationally but also open up educational and professional opportunities for the participating youth.
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