THE nine-time league champions APR have confirmed their interest to have a soccer academy operating by January, 2010.

According to APR’s junior club president, Capt. Cammarade Murara, the soccer academy will be comprised of U-15 players.

"The academy’s policy is promotion of football within the country,” Murara said.

Murara further added that selection for interested children will start this month.

Former Rayon Coach Rene Kalimunda has been tasked to carry out the selection which begins on July 15-26 (first phase) and July 31-August 1 (second phase) in all provinces across the country.

"The aim of the academy is to groom good, skilled and strong players for local clubs and the senior national team,” Kalimunda said.

According to Kalimunda, 120 children will be selected across the country and the grand and final selection will held in Kigali mid August.

The soft spoken ex-international coached the blues on an interim basis during the 2005/6 season and guided the club to a 15-match unbeaten run, winning 12 and drawing three.

He was also instrumental in bringing several top names like Labama Bokota, Kenyan striker John Baraza and goalkeeper Lawrence Webo.
The academy will offer parental care, accommodation, education among other services.

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