One of the great strengths of the Coaching for Hope programme is its unique ability to empower young people through sport.  By participating in quality football training, young people in the margins of society, including young women and disabled people, gain self confidence and a strong sense of their own power to change their situation. 

Through Coaching for Hope, young people become empowered to make positive changes to their own lives and communities. 

Young women from a team set up by one local coach in Mali have taken the initiative to clean their neighbourhood, inform their peers and families about HIV and AIDS, and organise daily football matches during their holidays.  These girls have found passion, companionship and power in football; and they are changing their community as a result.  Aissata Tembely is 14 years old, and the captain of the team.  She has been playing for six months. “I think football is really important because it helps educate people and is good for their health” she says.  “I play because it helps me succeed and I hope to bring honour to my country”.

This year, with funding from FIFA - Football for Hope, we are setting up a youth coordination programme in Mali, which will allow young people to take more initiative and ownership of the programme.  We are also planning to adapt Skillshare International’s leadership development programme to young people and facilitate a youth coach mentoring programme.  In countries like Mali, Burkina Faso and South Africa, where the majority of the population is under 25, this programme will build the skills, confidence and technical resources to empower a large group of young people.

Our programmes build young people's confidence and skills.