Football for Hope Centre opens in Kenya

The Football for Hope Centre in Kenya was officially opened early this month with a further six, as part of the 20 Centres for 2010 campaign, on the cards in the next four to five months for Namibia, Mali, Rwanda, Ghana, Lesotho and South Africa.

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In December 2009, the first Football for Hope Centre was inaugurated in Khayelitsha/South Africa.

"With the opening of the Football for Hope Centre...in Nairobi, we have taken yet another step towards fulfilling our commitment to leave a tangible legacy for the entire African continent in placing a strong emphasis on education and public health through football. These fundamental rights are essential to provide the next generation with a chance for their future," said FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter.

Addressing social challenges

The centres aim to address local social challenges in disadvantaged areas and improve education and health services for young people. Community involvement and ownership are crucial for the success and sustainability of the centres.

The Mathare Football for Hope Centre in Kenya plans to help hosts Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) to provide programmes of leadership training, environmental clean-ups, HIV/AIDS awareness and other community-oriented activities to some of the most disadvantaged young people in Nairobi.