With the FUFA Junior League set to return for its 4th season, some more new changes have been made for the edition that kicks off on Saturday, September 16.
The major change will see the Age category upgraded from 17 to 18 years.
Speaking to ChimpReports, FUFA Youth Football Development Officer Bashir Mutyaba explained: “Most of the players who were in last year’s edition could not participate in the new edition because Age was not permitting them.”
He added: “There was need to add another year such that we can retain these boys into the system so as they can compete for places in their respective senior sides.”
Mutyaba also revealed that the trend would continue, and next year’s edition will be increased to Under 19 so as they boys remain in active football.
Other new changes
All teams shall register a total of 25 players, 15 of whom must have played in the 2016/17 season; all new players shall have to undergo the age verification exercise.
National IDs are required to facilitate the registration of players on FUFA Football Connect System.
What is the FUFA Junior League?
All the 16 Azam Uganda Premier league clubs are required to have junior teams playing the FUFA Juniors Elite league.
This is a requirement that was put in place by FUFA in the club licensing procedure in the road to professionalization of league football in the country.
Clubs that are relegated from the top tier league automatically have their U-17 sides relegated to the second league group.
Last season in FUFA Junior League
Soana soccer academy needed Penalty shoot-outs to defeat Kampala Capital City Authority Soccer Academy (KCCA SA) in an epic final which was played at Kakindu stadium.
KJT and Vipers have won the first and second editions respectively.