Ascent Soccer in Malawi

 
 
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OUR HISTORY IN MALAWI

Ascent Soccer Malawi began in late-2014 as ‘Chigoli Academy’. Often listed as one of the poorest countries in the world, land-locked Malawi is beautiful and peaceful, though chronically poor with families trapped in cycles of poverty that touch every aspect of life. Gifted children born into this environment struggle to access the opportunities their talent and potential deserves.

Ascent Soccer Malawi is strategically located in the capital Lilongwe, a city of 1.1 million people in the heart of the country's central region. Since inception, Ascent Soccer has developed into a largely residential academy with over 65% of academy players in boarding facilities.

In May of 2019, Ascent Soccer Malawi relocated to our facility called ‘Lingadzi’, a private home base of high quality soccer fields, classrooms and a gym (see below) to expand the opportunities and development of the Malawi’s youth.

Home to 20 million people, more than half of whom are below 18, Malawi is hungry for opportunity and crazy about football. Ascent, therefore, is perfectly positioned to redefine youth development in the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’.

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OUR PROGRAM

Based in Lilongwe, Ascent Soccer Malawi is the only full-time academy soccer and scholarship program in the country. We deliver opportunities and global pathways for both boys and girls.

In Malawi, Ascent Soccer has run regional talent identification events and open trials for over 40,000 youth, from which our current group of 65 student-athletes has been selected. Over our seven years of programming, we have enrolled full-time soccer scholars from the Democratic Republic of Congo and every region of Malawi.

The current academy set-up includes male U14, U16 and U18 squads, along with the U14 & U18 Ascent Girls.

All five groups enjoy a full-time academic, character, football and health/nutrition program, led by a committed group of international and local staff — and there are no fees or costs for any of Ascent’s student-athletes.

Our door is open to all, with a deep investment tailored exclusively to the unique needs and gifts of Southeast Africa’s talented youth.

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Lingadzi - our home base in malawi

Ascent Soccer Malawi has developed a purpose-built facility, ‘Lingadzi’ - in partnership with UK charity, Building Malawi. In the shadow of Bingu National Stadium, Lingadzi provides a private space to nurture Malawi’s top youth talent.

Current amenities at Lingadzi include:

  • Three irrigated grass pitches (11 aside / 9 aside / 6 aside)

  • Weight Room / Strength & Conditioning Centre

  • Three Classrooms: Dedicated space for character development, soccer theory and video analysis and academic support programs

  • Water, Washrooms, Showers & Changing Rooms

Looking ahead, Lingadzi provides a foundation for future residential facilities, an onsite school and staff housing. Ascent Soccer also manages two pitches outside the walled academy facility, which serves as our base for our community coaching program and local league and friendly events.