Fantastic memories made at our inaugural Sports Tournament event

In 2020 we announced a new programme with our partner Operation Orphan. This Sport in-Development scheme aims to bring the benefits of organised sport and teamwork to our community.

We announced our intention to hold a School Holiday Club in 2020, but of course Covid had other plans.

We have finally had the opportunity to bring our ambition life, and we held our first Kids League Kenya Sports tournament on 21st July.  This took the form of a football tournament at Joho Staduim in our target community of Kongowea, Mombasa during the half term break.

We had six teams playing an eleven a-side competition.

There were 3 junior teams and 3 senior league teams.

Bringing the event to life

In the build up to the event, adult coaches were recruited from the school staff and Kids League Kenya were able to offer free FA (Football Association) coaching opportunities. There was also compulsory safeguarding training under the auspices of the local Child Protection Services.

Local officials were also consulted regarding the Covid protocols and special measures put in place.

Great attendance on the day

Some 90 children from 3 Kongowea schools, and also from a local community based sports programme participated in a one day football tournament at the Joho Stadium in the centre of Kongowea.

Thanks to our partner Operation Orphan and event sponsor Banner, a UK sports company, players and staff were kitted out with smart new uniforms.

Our Kids League Kenya team and volunteers organised everyone into 2×3 co-ed junior and senior teams ending with the winning team being awarded with medals and a cup.

The serving of unlimited clean water, breakfast and lunch provided the extra calories to keep the players hydrated nourished and happy.

The attendance of the local Chief and Deputy Chief added to the messaging delivered by the staff encouraging healthy safe lifestyles which is so much a part of sport-in-development work.

We feel strongly that sports and development go hand in hand, but in the most impoverished areas children do not often have access to sports infrastructure or physical education programmes.
Beyond the athletic advantage, sports will teach children discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, good hygiene habits, such as handwashing and nutrition and will give them opportunities to excel and expand friendships.