Our story
The Try Again Project is a youth empowerment initiative founded by Cabral Opiyo and Erick Odire, long-time friends brought together by their shared love for rugby and community.
Living in Kabete, the two often reminisced about their school rugby days and began looking for a local club where they could play and reconnect through the sport, but there was none. What started as an idea to revive old memories soon evolved into something deeper: a chance to create meaning and impact through the game they love.
They noticed a gap in their community, few structured sports programmes or mentorship spaces for children and youth. Drawing on their own experiences of how rugby had shaped their discipline, confidence, and teamwork since high school, where they were teammates, they decided to start a movement that would pass those same values on to the next generation.
Born from the belief that “failing is not the end, it is a chance to try again,” The Try Again Project now uses rugby as a tool to inspire resilience, discipline, and growth in young people — helping them succeed both on the pitch and beyond.
Our mission is to turn the rugby pitch into a classroom for life, teaching discipline, teamwork, and respect while providing mentorship and pathways for holistic development.
We envision a thriving, values-driven rugby community in Lower Kabete where young people, regardless of their background, find belonging, purpose, and opportunity through the game.
The people
Co-Founder & Coach
Cabral is a co-founder of The Try Again Project and a trained psychologist with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Nairobi. He is pursuing his World Rugby Level 1 Coaching Certification to deepen his impact as a mentor and coach.
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Co-Founder & Coach
Erick is a co-founder of The Try Again Project and serves as the GIS Lead at Sustain EA. He holds a Master's in Environment & Natural Resources Management and is a former captain of the Moi University Arsonists Rugby Team, where he also earned his undergraduate degree.
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Head Coach
Amos is a professional accountant and audit officer pursuing his CPA-K. A World Rugby Level II (15s) coach awaiting accreditation, he currently leads Kiambu High School Rugby, where he's guided the team back to the Prescott Cup and the 2023 KSSSA National Sevens Championship.
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Coach
Ryan is a rising rugby coach and player who developed his game at Mang'u High School, where he featured in the 2024 Nationals 15s Championship. He is currently pursuing a degree in Statistics and Programming at Kenyatta University and plays for Blak Blad Rugby in Kenya's top-flight league.
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Mentorship & Youth Engagement Lead
Doreen is an Environmental and Natural Resource Management Specialist with experience across East Africa. A Certified ILO–SIYB Trainer, she blends conservation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods to create impact. Passionate about youth empowerment, she uses rugby as a platform to nurture discipline, teamwork, and leadership among children.
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Partnerships & Operations Lead
Fabian serves as the Operations and Partnerships Lead, and also doubles as a football coach, currently finalizing his certification. He is deeply passionate about using sport to create safe and supportive spaces for rehabilitated boys and girls as they rebuild their confidence and reintegrate into society.
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