Rugby Academy
As part of a holistic approach to education and personal growth, OHCF has launched the OneHope Sports Academy and Rugby Club for boys aged 13–18. Rugby is more than just a game. It builds teamwork, discipline, decision-making, and leadership, skills that last a lifetime. Through rugby, these young athletes gain not only the thrill of competition, but also opportunities that can shape their futures, both on and off the pitch.
OHCF partners with Catholic and non-Catholic schools in Enugu, serving 250 students from kindergarten to university through scholarships funded by donations and partnerships. OHCF’s 60 rugby players come from these schools.
Our Coaches
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Captain Nuhu Ibrahim
Nigerian national team player
Coach Friday
Lifelong rugby coach and mentor
Mr. Damian James Mba HR Expert and Fitness Coach
Coach Mike Flannagan
USA Rugby Hall of Fame, former U.S. Naval Academy coach
The Challenges
Despite significant progress, we face several obstacles:
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Many players train barefoot or in flip-flops due to lack of appropriate footwear
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No local access to sporting goods—equipment must be imported
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Families cannot afford gear, so the Academy provides it all
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Dedicated coaches need fair compensation for their time
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Travel for games is complicated by safety concerns, long distances, and logistics in Nigeria
Our Goal: Raise $50,000
This funding will help us to:
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Establish a baseline budget to sustain the club for years to come
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Purchase rugby boots, uniforms, and gear
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Cover player and coach travel expenses for matches and tournaments
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Support coaching salaries stipends for program sustainability
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Improve daily training quality and safety
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Compete at the national level by 2026, increasing opportunities for players
Testimonials
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James Blottman
Program Director,
lifetime rugby player
I’ve been a rugby player, coach, and devoted fan for over 40 years. For me, rugby is the gift that keeps on giving. One of those gifts is Father Felix Ugwuozor....
Coach Mike Flannagan
USA Rugby Hall of Fame, former U.S. Naval Academy coach
It is with great pride that I am considered to help One Hope Rugby achieve its goal of raising awareness of our great game...
