Erick “Marcelo” Ouma officially launched the EMOF Kenya Inter-High Schools Football Tournament, a nationwide competition under the banner of his Erick Marcelo Ouma Foundation (EMOF).

The professionally organized tournament is poised to bring together elite high school football teams from across Kenya in a knockout-style format, aiming to both elevate the level of youth football and provide a national platform for budding talent.

According to Eric Ouma, the initiative is more than just a football competition, it is a mission to unearth raw talent, promote discipline, and cultivate essential life skills among Kenyan youth. Ouma, a firm believer in the transformative power of sport, envisions the tournament as a springboard for the next generation of football stars. “Football changed my life. Now, through EMOF, I want to use football to change the lives of others,” said Ouma, who currently plays his club football at Raków Częstochowa in Poland.

Ouma, a former student of Kakamega High School, rose to prominence at Gor Mahia in 2016 and has since carved out an impressive international career. After spells in Georgia, Albania, and Sweden most notably with AIK  before joining Polish top-flight side Raków Częstochowa in early 2024, where he has enjoyed a standout season and remains a key figure in Kenya’s national team setup.

Fittingly, the inaugural edition will kick off in the Western Region, where Ouma’s own football journey began. From dusty school pitches to international stadiums, his story serves as an inspiration for young players dreaming of following in his footsteps.

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Each regional leg of the tournament will feature eight (8) schools, selected through a public voting process, allowing communities to have a voice in spotlighting their local talent. This inclusive approach aims to foster greater engagement and excitement ahead of every match.

Winners from each region will be crowned regional champions, with trophies, individual awards, and special recognitions to celebrate excellence in both performance and sportsmanship.

Through Eric Marcelo Ouma Foundation (EMOF), Ouma is not only creating opportunities on the pitch but also using football as a vehicle for education, mentorship, and character building. The foundation plans to partner with coaches, teachers, and community leaders to ensure that participants benefit from holistic development throughout the tournament.“This isn’t just about finding the next Erick Ouma. It’s about guiding young people to become better versions of themselves on and off the field,” EMOF stated in its official release.

While the official voting portal hasn’t been rolled out, EMOF has confirmed that full details will be announced in the coming days, ahead of the kickoff set for the next school term.

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