We All Share The World's Joy & Happiness For President Obama!

On behalf of all at Eastlands occer Academy, may I take this opportunity to say how proud we are to witnes this historic occassn and to offer our best wishes to Prsident Obama and his Dream Team!

Eastlands Soccer Academy Management

Peter Omondi (Patron)

Peter is a Football Association Level 2 qualified coach, with extensive coaching experience in Europe and the United States of America, and is currently the manager/head coach of Southgate Adelaide FC under 14 youth team at Southgate Adelaide Football Club in London, UK (http://www.southgate-adelaide-fc.co.uk/results_fixtures.shtml )

Peter (or "Doc" as kown by his colleagues) is a former sportsman who participated in various sports – Basketball (at school, club and international level), Soccer (school), Handball (club and international level) and Rugby Football Union (school and club).

Originally trained as a Pharmacist, Peter also has a Bachelors Degree (Hons) in Computer Network Engineering and is currently studying for his Masters in Managing Business Information Technology.

He currently works and lives with his family in the UK, and his sons Noel (14) plays football in the side that Peter coaches as well as Enfield District Football (and been scouted, on various occasions, by Chelsea, Crystal Palace, QPR and Watford); while Leon (4) has had a stint at Tottenham youth under-5s team. His older son, Glenn, is also an accomplished athlete (who has run the 100 meters as well as 4x100 relay) and plays American Football for London Blitz. Glenn was Rookie of the Year 2007/08 season


Washington Odhiambo (Technical Director)

A Pharmacist by profession, Washington currently works at HH the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.

“Wash” as he is affectionately known by his close friends, played football at school level (Highway Secondary School in Nairobi) before signing up for Kibera Sportiff (a well-established youth academy at the time) and finally Re-Union FC (Kenya Super League side) and the Kenya National team (“Harambee Stars”).

He then went on to manage (Head Coach) Re-Union FC and achieved great results before turning his attention to working with the youth.

Wash brings with him a wealth of experience to the set-up and we look forward to his expertise.


Leonard Otieno (Operations Director & Head Coach)

A Diploma holder in IT, Leonard is currently pursuing a degree course in Business Information Technology, while at the same time, studying for a Diploma in Sports Management.

Leonard is a Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA); Kenya Football Federation (KFF) Class C & Royal Netherlands Football Association (RNFA) qualified coach with coaching experience in Europe (Mathare United participation in Norway Youth Cup) and the youth in Mathare Youth sports Association leagues as well as various secondary schools in the country.

Leonard played for his school (Parklands High School, Nairobi) and Maziwa FC in the Kenyan Super League; and is held in very high esteem by his peers and those he has worked with. Leonard is a dedicated individual who wants all to succeed in whatever they undertake in life.

In Leonard, the Academy has one of the best youth coaches in the country and we hope benefit greatly from his contribution towards our goals and objectives.


Frederic Wasawa (Operations Co-coordinator)

A social worker by profession, Fred brings his peer counseling and youth mobilisation skills to ESA and is our current co-coordinator.

Fred’s dedication and organizational skills are second-to-none, and I am not wrong in stating that the academy’s current activities are in part greatly successful due to his efforts in pushing forward our ideas and plans; especially when it comes to mobilization.

The academy appreciates Fred’s efforts and contribution in making sure that players turn up to training sessions and matches (Fred will personally pick up the youger players and drop them off).

Keep up the good work, Freddie!


Maurice Odipo (Coach)

Played his youth football under Leonard and is currently playing for former premier league champions Tusker FC. Also had stints with Re-union and Gor Mahia and Securicor FC in the Kenyan premier league.

“Odi” as he’s generally known, takes time off from his hectic schedule (when not playing football) to coach and work with the academy’s players.

When at work, Odi is a joy to watch and his technical and ball-handling skills are greatly appreciated.

A big-up to you, Odi!


Robert Owuor (Coach)

Also played his youth football under Leonard and is currently playing for Outering United in the KFF Super league. Also, played for Harambee SACCO as well as the National Bank of Kenya football team that participated in the Kenya Nationwide League.

“Ayala” as he’s affectionately known by all, has great technical skills and an excellent reader of the game. He also coaches other young teams in and around the borough (“mtaani” as is known in Kiswahili) and most players currently playin in youth and senior leagues in Nairobi Province have passed through his hands.

The academy is proud to have “Ayala” in our ranks and it is all upwards from here.

Parents and Players' Get-together (Saturday 17 January 2009)

The academy committee has set aside Saturday, 17 January 2009 as a special day for all those in the club, especially players and their parents/huardians to get together and know each other better.

This event had been ear-marked for just before Christmas, but had to be postponed due to the fact that most Kenyan families travel upcountry to spend the festive time with their families and loved ones over there.

We are eagerly looking forward to this event.

Please watch this space.


Peter.

Happy New Year and Welcome to Eastlands soccer Academy Blogsite!

Hi All!

Welcome to my new blog on the soccer academy that I support and help run in Nairobi, Kenya.

The academy has been up and running since 2007/08 following my visit to Kenya in 2006, during whence I had the privilage to watch a match during a tournament hosted and run by my brother Leonard Otieno.

I was impressed by the level skills and committment. Most of the players were too poor to afford soccer boots, shin guards or socks - things that children and players in the developed world take for granted!

I have since managed to get donations from my local football club (Southgate Adelaide FC) in North London, in the form of used footballs, playing kit and training gear - which I had the pleasure to present to the team during my last visit to Nairobi last summer (August 2008).

The donations were so greatly appreciated and well received, that I have made more plans to send some more next summer!

Please feel free to read through my blog and offer any help and assisstance that you may have.

Many thanks and happy blogging.

Peter Omondi.