Football dreams take flight with Urban Academy’s new club announcement
At only 13 years of age, Urban Academy Private School (UAPS) is among the youngest and fastest-growing educational institutions in the Eastern Cape.
Already, the school excels in academics and sports and boasts an outstanding arts’ programme. Now, Urban Academy has announced that it is forming a football club.
Since its founding, the Gqeberha school has quickly established itself as a leading competitor on the football field, and their results in 2025 were outstanding.
The school enjoyed one of its better seasons while competing against top-tier competition from around the country.
They demonstrated their pedigree at the Kearsney Soccer Tournament during the mid-year holiday, progressing through the tournament without conceding a single goal. In the end, they were pipped in the final by the Kloof High National Tournament winners, Pinetown Boys’ High, who claimed the title 3-1 from the penalty spot after regulation time had finished goalless.
The dedication of Urban Academy to football is evident, as the school also organises its own annual Super Soccer National Tournament, which brings together some of the best football-playing schools, both public and private, from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Now, the school is set to take another big step forward following the announcement that, beginning in 2026, it will establish its own football club, known as the Urban Academy Football Club (UAFC).
The UAFC has received provisional approval from the Port Elizabeth Football Association (PEFA) to participate at club level. The initiative provides Urban Academy students and alumni with an opportunity to engage with a well-organised football club affiliated with the school.
How UAFC Works
Junior Club (u7 – u17)
All participants from u7 to u17 are required to be registered at Urban Academy to be a part of the club.
High Performance Team (u17+)
Students in grade 11 must remain enrolled at Urban Academy to be eligible for membership. Students in grade 12 may join the club even if they are from a different school.
After players have graduated from any school, the high-performance teams become accessible to the general public.
Alumni Pathway
One of the more interesting elements of the recent establishment of the club’s school is its dedication to developing a pathway for its alumni.
Even after graduating from Urban Academy, former students will have the opportunity to return and engage with the football club, thus fostering a more promising future with increased visibility to scouts on a larger scale. That will happen not only through their tours but also at the official club level.
The UAFC will cater to both male and female athletes and also enhances the existing robust ladies’ football programme.
Advantages for Families and Academics
The UAFC will remove the necessity for distinct, late-night club practices. Echoing the relationship between the Absa Wildeklawer champions, Virginia High School and the Virginia Sports Academy, the school team will function as the club team, which will enable players to train during school hours.
The arrangement will also provide them with additional time for homework, household responsibilities, and family life, all while sustaining high levels of performance in sports.
Student-First Development and Player Pathway
The aim of the UAFC is to provide young players with a clear and organised pathway from grassroots to high-performance football, all while maintaining a strong foundation in academic excellence.
From the u7 to u13 age groups, the grassroots focus will be on essential skills, values, and sportsmanship within the educational setting. Then, from u14 to u17, the development phase will include competitive league matches, academic oversight, life-skills workshops, and opportunities to connect with talent scouts.
High-Performance begins at the u17 level, with specialised training, sophisticated tactical programmes, and chances to participate in provincial, national, and international competitions, aimed at securing professional contracts, scholarships, and bursaries.
The UAFC will also provide an Academic Mentoring Programme for all players to ensure they stay aligned with their academic pursuits while pursuing their football aspirations.
Although it is a relatively young institution, Urban Academy has already established a track record of nurturing talented football players who have gone on to excel at a higher level, including for Betway Premiership club, Chippa United, which is also located in the Eastern Cape, in East London.
Former Urban Academy players Musa Festile, Qhamani Gubevu, Oyisa Ngeni, and Avuzwa Mbembe all represent the Chippa United DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) Team.
Additionally, Minathi Sishuba and Okuhle Khemese, also alumni of Urban Academy, now compete in the ABC Motsepe League for Old Grey Football Club.
With the establishment of the school’s own club, it is hoped that the UAFC will accelerate the production of quality players and further help to grow Urban Academy’s status as one of the country’s top football-playing schools.
