The 2025/2026 Rwanda Rising Stars Championship officially kicks off today, ushering in an exciting new chapter in the continued growth and development of football across the country. As one of the flagship youth competitions under the stewardship of FERWAFA, the championship reflects a firm commitment to nurturing young talent and building a sustainable pipeline for Rwanda’s football future.

This season’s edition brings together an impressive number of young athletes from across the nation:

• U17 Girls: 21 teams, 525 players, 129 matches

• U17 Boys: 15 teams, 375 players, 101 matches

• U20 Girls: 18 teams, 450 players, 147 matches

• U20 Boys: 31 teams, 775 players, 213 matches

In total, the championship features 85 teams, approximately 2,125 young players, and a remarkable 590 matches set to be played throughout the season. These figures highlight not only the growing interest in youth football but also the expanding opportunities for boys and girls to compete at structured, national levels.

The U17 and U20 categories provide a critical platform for talent identification, technical development, and competitive exposure. For many of these players, the Rising Stars Championship serves as a stepping stone toward national team selection, professional opportunities, and even international careers.

Beyond competition, the championship embodies FERWAFA’s broader development policy, which prioritizes grassroots expansion, youth safeguarding, structured leagues, and equal opportunities for girls’ football. By organizing and facilitating participation for teams where necessary, the federation ensures that talent development remains inclusive and accessible across the country.