For many young athletes, balancing sports and academics has often been a tough challenge. The thrill of the game is usually prioritized, while schoolwork tends to be neglected.
To address this issue, a unique academic program was introduced in Kitengela, Kajiado County, designed to bridge the gap between learning and playing. This initiative has not only resulted in improved grades but has also strengthened teamwork and discipline among student-athletes.
The Birth of the Academic Program
The program was developed after it was noticed that many student-athletes were not fully engaged in their academic work. With their focus mainly on football, their studies had been suffering, leading to poor performance in class. To ensure that a balance between sports and academics was maintained, this program was introduced as a need-based solution.
The program is conducted every Saturday from 2 PM to 4 PM, a time when most students would otherwise be idle in class without a teacher. This structured learning session has proven to be an effective way of encouraging academic growth while still allowing students to focus on their passion for football.
How the Program Works
Each session is started with an action plan. Students are guided on how an action plan is created for their studies. Four subjects are selected—Mathematics, two sciences, and one subject of their choice. The idea is to focus on areas where difficulties are experienced while reinforcing subjects where strengths already exist.
Students are then grouped based on their action plans, with three to four individuals working together. The coach assigns each group a target and provides work that must be completed by the end of the week. This approach ensures that engagement in academics is maintained throughout the week.
To increase motivation, students are awarded points upon completion of the assigned work. Since the work includes exercises and revision materials, it naturally reinforces what has been learned in class, allowing students to grasp concepts better and improve their grades.
Creating a Culture of Learning
The academic program is not just about books; it is about fostering a positive learning environment. Through this initiative, teamwork and bonding among players have been enhanced. Players who may not interact much on the field are given the opportunity to connect through their academic groups, share ideas, and build friendships.
Additionally, engagement in academics during the weekend prevents distractions and unproductive activities. Instead of idling or feeling overwhelmed with personal thoughts, students channel their energy into productive learning sessions.
Positive Impact on Academic Performance
The impact of the program can be seen through the students’ academic progress. The average mean score of TTA players has been steadily rising:
- Second term of last year: 5.25
- End of the term: 6.06
- First term of this year: 7.33 (just shy of the 7.5 target)
These improvements highlight the effectiveness of the program. Beyond just numbers, students have gained confidence in their studies and have started to see real progress.
Recognizing Excellence
To keep motivation high, the program recognizes outstanding performance in various categories at the end of each term. Awards are given for:
- Top Academics – Recognizing the student with the best overall academic performance.
- Most Improved Academics – For students who have shown significant academic improvement.
- MVP (Football) – The best football player of the term.
- Most Improved (Football) – The player who has made remarkable progress in football.
- Leadership Award – Honoring students who show outstanding leadership qualities on and off the field.
This recognition not only boosts students’ morale but also encourages them to aim higher in both academics and sports.
New Additions to the Program
The program continues to evolve to meet students’ needs. Some of the recent changes include:
- Expanded Subject Focus – Instead of selecting only three subjects, students now focus on four: Mathematics, two sciences, and one of their choice.
- Reading Culture – Every week, students read a storybook in either English or Swahili and write a synopsis or book review. This improves their comprehension and language skills while nurturing a reading habit.
- Community Clean-Up Initiative – A clean-up activity has been introduced where students take part in cleaning the school environment. This not only instills a sense of responsibility but also earns them additional points in the program.
More Than Just Academics
At its core, this academic program is about more than just improving grades. It is focused on shaping responsible, disciplined, and well-rounded individuals. Time management, teamwork, and perseverance are qualities that are instilled in the students—qualities that will serve them well beyond school and sports.
With continued dedication, support, and commitment to learning, these young players are proving that excelling in both academics and sports is possible. The journey has just begun, but the results so far indicate that this is a game-changer for student-athletes.
Balancing books and football is no longer a dream—it has become a reality.
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