About CLA
A centre of excellence to reveal the talent of Casamance.
Our vision
The mission of Casamance Legacy Academy is to develop young talent in Casamance by offering them a structured, professional and educational environment.
We believe football is a powerful tool to shape not only better players, but also better people. Through respect, discipline, hard work, humility and team spirit, we want to support every young player in their sporting and personal development.
Our ambition is to become a benchmark for youth development in Casamance, Senegal and West Africa, while building bridges to professional football at national and international level.
Our vision is to start as a modern, structured and professional football school, then grow step by step into a true academy: one of the best in Senegal and a model for youth development in West Africa.
Our story
Casamance Legacy Academy was born from the wish of Franck Kanouté, a Senegalese professional footballer from Ziguinchor, to give back to his region some of what football has given him.
Having grown up in Casamance before pursuing his career in Europe, he knows the obstacles many young talents face in accessing quality facilities and real opportunities.
The academy was created with a clear goal: to give young people from the region a professional environment in which they can grow as athletes, as people and as students. Today, the project is completing its administrative set-up to guarantee solid, transparent and sustainable foundations before sporting activities officially begin in November 2026.
Why Casamance?
Casamance is a land of passion, culture and talent. For generations it has produced young players with exceptional potential. Yet many of them have never had access to modern facilities, professional coaching or the opportunities they need to fulfil their dreams.
Casamance Legacy Academy was created to change that. Our ambition is to give young people from our region a structured environment where they can grow as players and as people. We want to make Casamance a reference for youth football in West Africa and build a real bridge to professional football, in Senegal and abroad.
Because every big dream deserves a real opportunity.
Our mission
Our values
Respect
Respect for oneself, teammates, coaches, opponents and the rules of the game.
Discipline
Success comes from daily work, rigour and commitment.
Excellence
Always striving to improve and reach the highest possible level.
Humility
Staying true to one's values and continuing to learn every day.
A project in development
Casamance Legacy Academy is currently in its founding phase and completing its administrative registration.
Our priority is to build a serious, professional and sustainable organisation before sporting activities officially begin.
We have chosen to set up all official administrative and financial structures (legal registration receipt, bank account) before asking for a single donation, in order to guarantee full transparency to our partners and donors.
The first training sessions and programmes are scheduled to start in November 2026.
We thank all the families, partners, institutions and supporters who already believe in this vision.