Grassroot Soccer uses the sport as a method to keep adolescents in shape and to teach them about health challenges like AIDS, HIV, STIs, and mental health. Over the past 20 years, Grassroot Soccer has reached more than 18 million people across 60 countries with health education, mentorship programs, and soccer training. Their programming is designed to make learning and staying healthy fun! Learn more about their work here.
What is the mission of Grassroot Soccer?
Grassroot Soccer is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize at-risk youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities. GRS uses the power of soccer to connect young people with the mentors, information, and health services they need to thrive, and empowers adolescents to make educated choices about pressing health challenges such as HIV & AIDS, sexual health, gender-based violence, and malaria. Our evidence-based programs, led by trained local mentors, incorporate soccer into dynamic lessons about health and wellness that engage young people and break down cultural barriers.
Can you tell me about the need for your programs?
In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents face significant risks to their health and well-being. Too often, they lack information and support to access much-needed health services. Adolescents are among the most underserved populations around issues of disease, poverty and violence. While global AIDS-related deaths have been decreasing rapidly in the last decade, adolescents are the only age group for which this is not true. With an enormous youth bulge – almost 50% of the population under the age of 20 – we can and we must prepare young people on the African continent to be healthy, productive members of society. In southern Africa, young women are up to four times more likely than young men to be HIV+.
What is the Grassroot Soccer method?
Many young people lack a basic understanding of the facts around issues such as HIV, AIDS and sexual and reproductive health. For example, less than 30% of youth in developing countries have basic knowledge around HIV and AIDS. The Grassroot Soccer SKILLZ curricula have been developed based on years of evaluation, research, and external evidence. Our curricula use soccer-based activities and lively discussions to engage learners, and they have been adapted to be culturally appropriate in different locations. Grassroot Soccer graduates demonstrate significant improvements in knowledge of risky behaviors and awareness of local resources for support.
How are role models involved in your work?
For those youths growing up in challenging circumstances where poverty, violence, and unemployment are ubiquitous, it can be difficult to envision a better future. Role models and mentors are important for inspiring hope and showing a young person what is possible. Grassroot Soccer trains young community leaders, including local professional soccer players and youth leaders, to be health educators and Caring Coaches. Our Coaches connect personally with participants and become trusted mentors. 100% of Grassroot Soccer participants have access to a trained, supportive, accessible role model.