In the rolling hills of Kigali, where the echoes of Rwanda's resilient spirit resonate through community fields, a new generation of athletes is set to take centre stage. On 6 September, the Future Cup 2025 – organised by the grassroots powerhouse 1000 Hills Rugby – will transform Don Bosco Gatenga into a vibrant arena of sevens rugby, tag games, and cultural celebration. It's more than a tournament; it's a testament to how sport can forge leaders from the ground up in a nation still healing and building.
As the culmination of a month-long summer camp, the event spotlights 6 teams of under-18 boys and 4 teams of under-18 girls in fast-paced 7s rugby, alongside under-15s in non-contact tag rugby – formats designed to nurture skills without the full brunt of physicality. But woven into the tries and tags are threads of traditional Rwandan dance and Latin rhythms, creating a day that blends athletic prowess with cultural expression. Starting at 10am, the free, public event invites families and fans to witness not just games, but the budding potential of Rwanda's youth.
At its core, 1000 Hills Rugby embodies a mission to provide "top-tier coaching and skill development" while instilling "teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship", as outlined on their website. The organisation views rugby as a vehicle for transformation: "We believe in providing every individual with an unforgettable experience where they not only learn essential skills but also grow in confidence and creativity," it states. This ethos drives their programs, aiming to shape "future leaders both on and off the field" through fun, engaging learning that benefits players and communities alike.
Founded in Kigali – the heart of the "Land of a Thousand Hills" – 1000 Hills Rugby has grown into a beacon for inclusive sport. Their initiatives span from the Player Development Program for elite 18+ athletes honing Rugby XV and 7s skills, to the Women's Rugby Program empowering females aged 12 and up. The Rugby & Life Skills Program targets those 10 and older, using the game to foster personal and community growth, while the Grassroots Rugby Initiative introduces the sport to underserved children, sparking joy and essential life lessons.
The impact is measurable and growing. To date, the club has 123 direct beneficiaries, including 48 women; 21 jobs created; 65 school tuitions supported; and consistent competitive success, including titles in the 2025 National 15s League and the Genocide Memorial Rugby 7s Tournament. These figures underscore how rugby is not only building athletes, but also livelihoods and brighter futures.
What sets the Future Cup apart is its partnerships with global entities like Laureus Sport for Good, the International Olympic Committee's Advancing Olympism 365, the French Republic, and Agence Française de Développement. These alliances amplify the event's focus on gender equity, safeguarding, and sport as a catalyst for social good – themes that resonate deeply in post-genocide Rwanda, where rugby aids reconciliation and resilience.
With over 150 young participants expected, the Future Cup isn't just about crowning winners; it's about igniting possibilities. As 1000 Hills Rugby puts it, their work is "dedicated to introducing the sport to underserved communities" and ensuring "personal growth for players and the entire community." For those inspired, registration for programs is open via www.1000hillsrugby.rw, with contact at +250-791-275-175. Follow @1000HillsRugby on X for updates.
In a world where sport often divides, events like this unite – reminding us that from Kigali's fields, tomorrow's leaders are already emerging, one tackle at a time.
In a world where sport often divides, events like this unite – reminding us that from Kigali's fields, tomorrow's leaders are already emerging, one tackle at a time.