Football League

The Need
In the Mumias district of Kenya’s Western Province SCI are piloting the development of a whole football league. This area suffers from about 95% unemployment. Sugar cane is the only major crop. The processing plant is the only factory. Most people rely on casual labour. Pay is often a meal for a day’s work. Although difficult to find accurate records it is estimated that about 30% are HIV positive. Young men have little to do, nothing to put their energy into.

The Plan
We have delivered a number of kits in this area to various teams. Some of the teams formed as a result of being given kit. At the moment they tend to train only when there is a tournament, which is funded by SCI. Our plan is to make funds available for a league of about 20 teams. With squads of up to 30 players this means that hundreds of young people will be involved.

Helping the Community and Fighting AIDS
The community will have a focus. Many will come to watch the football, which is very popular in this area. Where crowds gather the message of health and relationship education can be communicated. Most of the teams use pitches on school grounds. In return they undertake community service such as tree planting on the school grounds. This provides firewood and, in the long term, shade for the children. As well as being involved in community service, registered players will be expected to take an AIDS test at the local clinic. It is a known fact that men who are tested negative will immediately take stock and reform their life styles where necessary. The stigma of AIDS is being eroded. Players would also invite their partners to be tested.

To maximise the benefits we will be working in partnership with SAIPEH, a community based organisation.

Costs

£1200.00 will support the league for one year

£75.00 will provide the funds for a team to be in the league

£25.00 will fund one team with a set of kit from the UK

£10.00 will provide one football

£5.00 will pay for a referee

£2.00 will pay for the chalk dust to mark the pitch

Your club may have a set of unused kit that would be ideal for one of the teams.

We began this project in April 2008.