Dana Cup Hjørring 2025: East African Youth Set to Shine at Denmark’s Premier Football Tournament
Flying the Ugandan flag high is Prostat Academy, one of the most reputable sports academies in East Africa. Prostat is renowned for its comprehensive youth development programs, emphasizing skill, discipline, and character building. Their participation underscores Uganda’s growing influence in international youth sports and football training excellence.
Hjørring, Denmark – July 21-26, 2025
The stage is set for one of the world's most prestigious youth football tournaments — the Dana Cup Hjørring, taking place from 21st to 26th July 2025 in Denmark. Known as Denmark's largest sports event, the Dana Cup brings together thousands of talented young footballers from across the globe. This year, over 50 teams from Africa will participate, with a strong representation from East Africa, ready to showcase their skills and sportsmanship on an international platform.
? East Africa Well Represented
East Africa continues to rise as a force in youth football development. This year’s edition of the Dana Cup features several elite academies and institutions from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe, reaffirming the region’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
?? UGANDA: Prostat Academy
Flying the Ugandan flag high is Prostat Academy, one of the most reputable sports academies in East Africa. Prostat is renowned for its comprehensive youth development programs, emphasizing skill, discipline, and character building. Their participation underscores Uganda’s growing influence in international youth sports and football training excellence.
?? TANZANIA: DSM Soccer Academy & One Tanzanite
Tanzania is proudly represented by DSM Soccer Academy and One Tanzanite, both recognized for their structured coaching programs and consistent production of young football talent. Their presence reflects the Tanzanian football federation’s push toward grassroots development and global exposure.
?? KENYA: Six Teams Storm Denmark
Kenya boasts a strong contingent with six teams participating:
Diamond FC
Elite Soccer Academy
Green Sports Africa Academy
International School of Kenya
Mighty Eagles Soccer Academy (MESA)
These academies are known for their competitive spirit and innovative training techniques. Kenya's broad representation signals a promising future for its youth football development initiatives.
?? DR CONGO: BlackStars of Kinshasa & OTF United
From Central Africa, BlackStars of Kinshasa and OTF United will bring flair and tenacity to the competition. Congolese teams have historically been known for their physicality and creativity, and this year promises to be no different.
?? ETHIOPIA: Six Rising Academies
Ethiopia sends a strong lineup of six teams, highlighting a growing passion for football in the Horn of Africa:
Double Pass FC
Edy Youth Football Project
Fortunate FC
Hold My Hand Football Project
3POINTS Football Academy Ethiopia
Premier Skills Ethiopia
These projects are not just about football, but also about education, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
?? ZIMBABWE: Skies Las Palmas
Zimbabwe’s Skies Las Palmas completes the African lineup with a team known for technical finesse and strong team dynamics. They aim to leave a mark as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its youth sports development pathways.
According to Frank Peterson, Dana Cup Sales Executive, the event will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on Monday, July 21st at 19:30, featuring a collective march into Nord Energi Arena. This ceremonial parade is a hallmark of the Dana Cup spirit — uniting cultures and fostering international friendship through sport.
The first round of matches will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Teams will be placed in groups of 4 or 5, competing in an all-play-all format to determine the progression to the knockout stages.
⚽ A Global Football Festival
The Dana Cup isn’t just a tournament — it’s a festival of youth, culture, and unity through football. With teams from over 40 countries, it offers young players the chance to compete at a high level, make international friends, and experience the beauty of Danish hospitality.
East African teams are not only participating — they are poised to compete, connect, and conquer.
The participation of these East African academies is a testament to the region’s growing influence on the global football scene. As these young athletes lace up their boots and take to the fields in Hjørring, they carry with them the hopes of their communities and the future of African football.
Dana Cup 2025 is more than a game — it’s a dream in motion. I'm
