Project Update – September, 2009

In the last few months, quite a number of things have been happening. Our 13 leagues have been going on well with a total of 120 teams participating with 2,300 children. The season is coming to a close and the highly anticipated playoffs and finals are coming soon. Winners will be rewarded with training gear such as uniforms, bibs, balls and cones. This is done in an effort to continue to support local clubs and build a foundation of quality football.

In August, a nationwide ladies football tournament was held in which 16 teams from across the nation participated. There were two age categories: under 13 and free age. It was a great event to showcase the talented female football players from around the country.

At the end of June, we also help the First Annual Special Needs Football Tournament. It brought together over 160 mentally challenged children from 11 different schools for a one-day event filled with football, music and fun. All the children were able to compete and show off their football skills and talent.

While competitions are taking place, we are also busy building the capacity of our members. The following training activities have been conducted recently:

1. 45 youth coaches were trained on Basic One Coaching Course to help increase quality of youth football and create safe, productive environments for children.

2. 50 youth players were brought together for Informed Decision Making refresher trainings. They were trained on social issues affecting them and how to go about making informed decisions surrounding these issues. After the training, they have implemented weekly sessions with their teams where relevant issues can be discussed. This will help develop teams into positive peer groups.

3. 7 coaches attended a coaching instructor training. They will be able to implement their skills and teach other youth coaches in a “Coach the Coach” program.


In a recent community open forum that was held in a more rural area in Kisumu called Otonglo, we played a ladies under 16 match as a way to attract community members and parents to the event. Ladies football in this particular area was a big step due to the more traditional views on female roles that are predominant. As everyone sat and watched the match, there were around ten mothers who had come to support their girls… and support them they did! Every touch of the ball, big kick, header, tackle or shot these women were out of their seats shouting and cheering for their girls. They were so proud to see the talented players and were impressed with the level off football and intensity these girls displayed. In a male dominated culture, girls football proved a way for women of all ages to rally together, be proud and prove their equality to men. Through football, these girls are gaining the confidence they need to develop into mature women as contributing members of society.

We have also received numerous testimonies as to the impact of the project. For example:

“This type of training has been very helpful to us in our current environment. As we face many challenges such as drinking and drugs, the skills to make good decisions becomes a good tool for us to face these issues. As players, we can work together to help each other face challenges and to grow, but we can also spread our knowledge and skills to our other peers and engage them in positive activities, such as football. By collaborating with other youths, teachers and parents, we will be able to have a big impact on the lives of local children and youth.”

- Bonface Omondi, a football player and participant at a recent Informed Decision Making workshop, at the close of the workshop


We want to thank our donors and contributors for their generous continued support. Without this assistance, we would not be able to impact as many lives of children and youth in Kisumu such as Bonface and the girls from Otonglo.