Namcos, Ollows to lead Impala Alpha Academy

Kenyan rugby internationals Samson Onsomu and Vincent Mose, former Kenya 7s head coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu and director of rugby Fred Ollows are set to lead the Impala Alpha Academy set to open doors on Saturday June 15.

The Impala Alpha Academy will have its open day on Saturday from 12pm at Impala Club with main focus set to be on specialized skills training that will be offered in a highly regulated environment.

The Alpha Academy benefits greatly from the experience of the longest serving Club Rugby academy in Kenya.

“The pathway is clear, from 6 years to the senior game. It has been developed by well trained and accredited World Rugby personnel,” the club said via a statement earlier this month.

The programme runs on Saturdays from 8.00 am to 12.00pm. The initial age bands are Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14.

“It is established with regard to World Rugby and Kenya Rugby Union regulations and standards.”

In the Alpha Programme, Impala will also offer targeted training for Under 16 and Under 18 players and coaches.

For more than 10 years, Impala Academy focused on the community around Impala Club, including Kibera, Dagoretti and Kawangware.

Through that programme, Impala Saracens have built a pipeline of players right up to the national Simbas and Shujaa(Kenya 7s) teams.

“More importantly, we have had lasting impact on the lives of the academy graduands through life skills training, an integral part of the programme.”

“Many are those that have benefited from the character – building attributes of Rugby, from a young age. Some have grown to leadership positions in schools and other institutions. Others went on to start the sport Rugby in areas where there was none.”

“We are proud of the impact our academy has had. We will continue that programme under the Community Academy Programme.”