In Argentina, as in so many corners of the world, football is more than a game—it is a lifeline. A newly released documentary by Stefano Di Pietro, “Children of the Field”, produced by Football Makes History, captures this truth with raw emotion and brevity. Set in the football-obsessed streets and fields of Argentina, the film reveals how the game becomes a beacon of hope and resilience for young people navigating life’s toughest challenges. Whether facing poverty, violence, displacement, or limited opportunities, football offers them not just an escape but a chance to rise, rebuild, and thrive.

At the heart of the documentary lies a profound message: football is a platform for learning, connection, and ambition. On the pitch, young people find joy in the simple act of play, a structure to lean on and the values that the game emits.

A striking example of this impact is seen through the work of the River Plate Foundation, whose presence in the film underscores the power of the local pitch. Time and again, a single football field appears on screen—more than just grass and lines, it is a symbol of possibility. Children gather to play, to grow, to dream. Adults find purpose in mentoring the next generation. Community leaders see the pitch as fertile ground for positive change. From this shared space, football grows like a tree—rooted in the community, resilient in adversity, and offering shade to all who come near.

In “Children of the Field”, the pitch becomes a microcosm of hope—a reminder that football, in its most beautiful form, is an ecosystem of growth and opportunity. It may begin with a ball and a field, but its reach extends far beyond, shaping lives, strengthening communities, and showing us all the enduring power of the beautiful game.

The Work of Football Makes History

“Children of the Field” is part of a larger mission by Football Makes History, an initiative supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Football Makes History brings together educators, historians, and football enthusiasts to explore how the sport intersects with history, society, and education. By highlighting the role football plays in overcoming barriers, the initiative showcases how the game can teach valuable life lessons, promote inclusion, and inspire positive action.

Through its innovative resources, projects, and collaborations, Football Makes History encourages schools, clubs, and communities to use football as an educational tool. Whether it’s learning about social inclusion, leadership, or cultural heritage, the platform demonstrates how football’s history holds lessons that are as relevant today as ever- “When the Pitch is Heritage”.

Football as a Tool for Resilience and Growth

In “Children of the Field”, we see how football provides a space for young people to develop resilience and rebuild their lives, no matter the circumstances they face. It gives them the tools to overcome barriers, build relationships, and imagine new possibilities. For educators, coaches, and community leaders, the film is a valuable resource to illustrate how sport fosters perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth.

This message was echoed at the recent Uniting Histories conference, organized by the FARE Network and supported by partners like the European Football Development Network (EFDN)—a proud partner of Bonito. The conference explored how football’s rich heritage can act as a bridge for social inclusion, creating dialogue and opportunities for individuals to rise above challenges. “Children of the Field” perfectly aligns with this effort, emphasizing football’s role in helping people navigate hardship and emerge stronger.

Powerful storytelling like this reminds us that the sport can be a vehicle for transformation—helping individuals and communities rise above poor conditions, forge meaningful connections, and foster resilience.

We hope you will enjoy this video as much as we did!

Across Europe’s shores, a harrowing reality unfolds daily as countless migrants undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. Fleeing war, persecution, and economic despair, they risk everything. For many the arrival in a new country is only the beginning of another battle—facing hostility, bureaucratic hurdles, and a desperate fight for belonging. In this era of unprecedented displacement, the plight of migrants calls for urgent action, empathy, and inclusive solutions that honor the courage it takes to seek a better life.

In this world where borders often divide and cultures can feel worlds apart, football is uniting. Few initiatives capture this better than I Speak Football, a program that uses the universal appeal of the beautiful game to bridge gaps between migrants and their new communities. Born from the belief that football transcends language, nationality, and background, I Speak Football is a lifeline for migrants navigating the challenges of displacement, offering them not just a place to play but a platform to belong. They show that football truly is a universal language.

As we mark International Migrants Day, I Speak Football stands as a testament to football’s unique ability to create connections and foster inclusion. Through its grassroots approach, the program empowers young migrants to build friendships, develop skills, and integrate into society—all through the simple, yet profound act of playing the game. It’s more than football; it’s a movement of hope, acceptance, and community.

Djibril Ayofe, founded I Speak Football five years ago, inspired by his personal struggles learning English as a migrant from The Ivory Coast. Traditional classroom methods were tough for the Ivorian turned UK resident, but he discovered that communication on the football pitch came naturally. Combining language learning with the sport he loves, Djibril created a project that makes learning accessible, fun, and engaging for migrants facing similar challenges. Driven by his own journey, he is now determined to ensure others have a smoother path toward integration, language skills, and a sense of belonging. Djibril was nice enough to share both his story and his vision for the future of his project with the Bonito Platform.

Bonito: Djibril, thank you so much for joining us on this International Migrants Day to speak about your wonderful program. Can you share your personal journey and how did your passion for football inspire you to create the I Speak Football program?

Djibril: I moved to the UK 9 years ago from the Ivory Coast. Thats a big change in culture and language. I was 17 years old, loved playing football, but speaking English as a second language made it challenging to take part in football activities with the other kids. Together with some friends we set up I Speak Football™ to support other young migrants and refugees to improve their English through football sessions that incorporate English language classes.

Bontio: Often migrants who come to a new contry face so many difficulties including communicating in a new language- thats where football can step in- what is it about football that seems to make it such a universal language no matter where you come from?

Djibril: For me, the game is the centre of anything we do, it’s exciting and always changing. It’s different in each country yet the same. I think that makes it like language. I know that wherever I have been I can go to a place and understand it. I also know that when I want to play well, I need to be able to communicate, and communicate quickly. This forces me to learn things that can help me succeed. I love the feeling of being part of a team and having a common goal, I want everyone that joins I Speak Football to feel that in their hearts. That we belong.

Bonito: How important is it for newcomers to have a safe and productive environment to learn the local language of their new country?

Djibril: Its very important but not just about the language- As migrants, it can feel like we have left the harder times behind, but unfortunately for many of us it still is quite difficult in our new countries. We are happy for the opportunity to learn the language and contribute to our new communities but we still carry baggage- the scars left behind from our journey. Working with experts in trauma-informed approaches has taught me a lot about how to approach sensitive issues, and also when to approach them. It has to be led by the individual and at their own pace. Many of the people that play don’t want to talk about their trauma, and that’s OK, but some do want to discuss it. We aren’t social workers or psychologists but we make sure we listen so that I Speak Football is a positive experience. 

Bonito: Can you tell us about the I Speak Football program in more detail and how it addresses the many barriers that new arrivals to countries often face in their efforts to integrate?

Djibril: Although the core of the program is language, mental health and football, we have quickly seen that our beneficiaries also need support in study readiness and employability skills. That’s why we’ve adapted some methodologies to have employability sessions as well as language sessions, and have added CV and interview workshops either as online sessions or in person to help them thrive in the community. With “the ball as the hook” we can do so much for these young people and help them integrate in their new communities. 

Bonito: The journey that many immigrants face in moving to their new countries often presents a tremendous strain on mental health- how does football help to improve that and to build further resilience going forward?

Djibril: I don’t know about other migrants, but for me it was an escape, somewhere I could go to feel comfortable and confident. It didn’t cost me much money, and no-one bothered me on the football pitch. Especially at first, it was the only place I felt OK. As I stayed longer here, it also gave me a sense of identity, Djibril the football player, Djibril the captain, and now Djibril from I Speak Football. I hope it provides other people that safe space, and a set of peers to learn and rely on- just like it has for me. We all need a safe lace to be authentic and feel we belong.

Bonito: Reflecting on your journey in football, is there a particular moment or experience that profoundly touched you and reinforced your commitment to this work?

Djibril:  Getting the coaching from the Chelsea FC, and Fulham FC coaches was amazing! Just knowing those people got to work with other Africans and amazing footballers was really inspiring. Many people come to the UK to play football and to have that support and see that badge was amazing for me. Watching new migrants come, and be shy, then grow more confident is really amazing for me- especially as I used to be very shy! 

Bonito: Where do you see this project developing over the next years? what are the plans for the future and for expanding?

Djibril: We are really excited for 2025, with new partners including GOALs, Loughborough University and others. We have fundraising targets for sessions in Chingford, Wembley and Camden. As well as expanding to areas where we can use I Speak Football as a tool to bring communities together. We think the riots this year showed that communities have a lot of problems, and football should be used as a tool to bring them together. So we want to add areas outside London, and especially those places dealing with lots of migration. We also have applied for funding to develop I Speak Football in Europe and America, and even a pilot with a wonderful basketball coach to start I Speak Basketball in Easter 2025. We have big plans, but are still learning. 

Bonito: How important are partnerships to a program like yours? local communities, mental health experts, language teachers- it feels like you need to have a really wide ranging team?

Djibril: We think of I Speak Football being a trio of language, football, and refugee/trauma-informed approaches. For each of these corners of the triangle we work with experts, and local representatives. We know that what might work in one area might not be right for others, or for different types of migrants. So we start by mapping partners, and working with refugee organisations to understand what are the barriers for integration in their community. Where possible we always try to work with local councils, mosques, churches, schools, and families to make sure we’re delivering what is really needed. We have to do this with local expert partners, so we do all of this through a trio partnership model in each area. The only core expertise is our board of directors, our technical football, refugee, and ESOL experts, and our amazing Refugee Advisory Board who meet each month to give us feedback and help us improve our programme delivery.

Bonito: we really congratulate you Djibril for this exciting program and cant wait to see it expand in the future- thanks so much for joining us today!

Djibril: Thanks so much for the platform on such an important day!

Bonito: Welcome to the Bonito Platform Isabel. Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Isabel: It all started when I decided to start playing at the age of 6 in my younger brother’s football team. I was the only female playing in that category as there were no women’s teams at that time. I played the sport with men until I was 14 and from then on, I didn’t have many options of where to go to play. My parents were sports people all their lives and they raised my siblings and me through sport. Maybe that’s why we are a very competitive family haha.

I was always a very curious child who liked to know about everything that was going on around me. I used to ask my coaches if they were paid enough to make a living as a coach and I used to discuss with my teammates about how to improve women’s football in the country and how this would improve not only the sport but also society. I believe that my development in the sport and the values it brought with it shaped me as a person who likes challenges, preparing for them and facing them so that afterwards, whatever the outcome, I could work harder to get the best results. 

Not having many spaces to play in the football industry, I realized that those of us who were part of the ecosystem would have to create them and gradually develop them. At that time, in Mexico there wasn’t much talk about sustainability and even less in sport, so little by little I was joining ties until I got here. I remember that one of the most important issues to solve in Mexico was childhood obesity, so I took this topic to develop my final degree work in sport management, which involved the application of a schools sport program to improve children’s health. It is in this research where I realize that sport goes beyond and impacts positively in many areas in society.

Bonito: Why do you think football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Isabel: There are many reasons but, I think one of the main ones is that anyone in the world can play football even with 2 backpacks set up as goals and a bunch of sweaters tied in the shape of a ball. Having the access to play it and aspiring to make it to the big stage where you see your favorite players play on TV, creates that path from zero to professional and personal success that everyone aspires to have and there is a relation in these feelings generated in every stage of the game. 

I wouldn’t know how to measure the level of feeling of a fifth division football team going up to the next division compared to a team of 8 year olds winning a championship or a team winning their weekly game in the 95th minute or a national team winning a medal at the Olympics. I think the feeling is very similar at each stage because if there were levels, I’m sure our hearts would explode.

Bonito: Thats such a beautiful description of how the heart can be equally inspired and set ablaze at every level of football high and low. Can you tell us about the football culture like in Mexico where you grew up?

Isabel: For girls and women it was complicated. There were not many spaces to play in and not much to aspire to. You couldn’t dream of being a professional player because there was no such possibility, and even if you thought about it as a child, you reached adolescence facing a reality where many of those who played stopped playing. You also didn’t see your role models on TV and had to make do with being Rafa Marquez or Puyol or Inisesta (which isn’t bad at all haha). 

Parents didn’t want their daughters to play and not because they didn’t like the sport, but because they didn’t see the goal or the path where their daughters could grow over time and it wasn’t worth investing in it. Also, back then there was a culture where as a woman it wasn’t very cool to play football and you were criticized for that. 

I was lucky enough to have parents who supported me in anything I wanted to do as long as I was committed to the sport. In the end I had the opportunity to play in the women’s major league, the top league at the time, and got a small football scholarship at my university. But after university, everything was over. Years later I played again in Spain for 3 years in the women’s football 5th division.

Bonito: Tell us about your new project Ambassador X which you are launching- whats the idea and how did it evolve?

Isabel: AmbassadorX starts with the aim of helping the women’s football ecosystem to thrive in the best possible way. Talking to many people in the industry, I realized that there is no platform where the community can get to know the women’s football projects that are being created around the world and that there are many people who want to invest in these projects but don’t know where to start looking.

AmbassadorX is a global platform that unites leaders, companies, and enthusiasts from across the world who are dedicated to advancing women’s football. It’s a collaborative space that provides visibility to projects, ambassadors, and leaders working in diverse areas of the women’s football ecosystem. We amplify industry impact by providing a space where stakeholders can connect, create and inspire meaningful change through crowdfunding, sponsorship & Investment. 

We have just launched the Alpha version of the platform to engage with the community, get their feedback and build the best platform to support as many projects as possible and therefore support women’s football.  In this phase we will only focus on reaching out to the community, giving visibility to the projects and their ambassadors and connecting with new stakeholders. But step by step the platform will evolve to bring opportunities to these projects and little by little new features will be added.

Bonito: Thats a really cool platform, we cant wait to follow its progress!

Bonito: Your first job after moving to Spain was with the Cruyff Foundation- tell us a bit about that experience and the Cruyff Brand in Spain?

Isabel: I am a big fan of Johan’s legacy and his 14 principles. I completely identify with the values of the foundation and share the thinking he had. Working for the foundation was a dream come true, and I owe so much to the entire team I worked with. Even though it was an internship and only for a short time, it was enough to make me realize that my path should be built around the positive impact sports have on society. Being able to define this is priceless, and it’s a passion that will last a lifetime.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the “Open Day,” where the foundation organizes a full-day sports festival for people with disabilities. Seeing the happiness of everyone who participated filled me completely.

Bonito: Where do you see the football for good field heading in the next years?

Isabel: In the coming years, I believe football for good will grow significantly and will no longer be considered a separate topic within the industry. By this, I mean that a club’s growth strategy will no longer be divided from its Sustainability or CSR strategy; they will become one and the same. The SROI (Social Return of Investment) will become a highly valuable metric for clubs and, most importantly, for the stakeholders who support them.

A goal we should aim for as a community is for Sustainability Manager positions to disappear entirely because we should reach a point where every person in the world, in any job, makes decisions and acts sustainably. Of course, we need them now, and I would love to become one someday, but that is what we should aspire to achieve. I am someone who firmly believes that football can change the world if it is managed in an organized, correct, and positive way. Perhaps what I’m saying sounds overly ambitious, but I see it very clearly.

Bonito: What will the keys be to driving women’s football forward in the next 10 years- which partnerships will be critical to ensure equality in all aspects of the beautiful game of football?

Isabel: In the next 10 years, it will be essential to connect the development pathway with professional opportunities so that the girls who are now looking up to their role models have a space to grow within sports. We need to continue educating and training more female coaches, referees, and staff. We must create spaces for leaders who want to work in the industry. And, most importantly, we must ensure that the spirit of the community we have today does not change. Let’s protect our culture of mutual support, teamwork, and knowledge sharing. Together, let’s build the women’s football we want for the future and set aside the EGO that is beginning to knock at the door.

Bonito: Is there one colleague or organization who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Isabel: There are SO MANY! I cant list them all but a selected few are: 

SheWins – México by Cecilia Vales

Girls United – UK & México by Romina Calatayud

These two are doing an incredible job creating spaces for women to play and teaching coaches in Mexico. 

Women’s Soccer School Spain by Soraya Chaoui

The only 100% womens football club in Barcelona inspiring their players to work for a scholarship in the US, support the players and Staff  in mental health and train their coaches constantly for personal and professional growth.

Bonito: Isabel, thank you so much for talking to us today and congratulations on the launch!

Isabel: My pleasure and keep up the good work in supporting girls and womens football!

BIO

Name: Isabel Cabrejas Ruiz

Organization (s): AmbassadorX

Role: Founder & CEO

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: SheWins, Girls United, EcoSport Pro, Sportanddev.org, Johan Cruyff Foundation, Laureus, Yunus Sports Hub, Common Goal and many others.

Favorite Football Club: Women: Barcelona FC & Chelsea FC

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: Any organization.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/isabel-cabrejas-ruiz

AmbassadorX Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambassadorx.global/

In the heart of Brazil, where the pulse of football is felt in every street, park, and field, a young Douglas Arienti first discovered the magic of the beautiful game. It wasn’t just a sport; it was a rhythm, a language, a way of life. Growing up playing futsal, Douglas honed his skills and found a deep connection to a sport that transcended the boundaries of the court. Whether in his early professional years at AGE-Guapore or representing his university, football was more than a passion—it was a compass, guiding him through life’s challenges and triumphs. But this story doesn’t end on the pitch. When Douglas moved to Canada, the game transformed into something greater: a tool for change, a bridge between cultures, and a means to empower underserved communities.

Now, as Training Manager for Indigenous Programs at Right To Play, Douglas is redefining the role of sport in society. From remote Canadian communities to futsal clinics for aspiring players, his work showcases how football  can transcend recreation, becoming a powerful instrument for education, empowerment, and healing. It’s a journey rooted in the belief that the game’s simplicity and universal appeal can unlock potential, foster connection, and create a ripple effect of positive change across generations. For Douglas, football isn’t just about scoring goals—it’s about changing lives.

Bonito: Welcome Douglas, its so nice to have you on the Bonito platform! Tell us a little about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Douglas: My journey with football started in my early years in Brazil, a country deeply immersed in the sport’s culture. Like many Brazilians, I grew up playing futsal, which eventually led me to pursue it both professionally at AGE-Guapore and at the varsity level during my post-secondary education at Federal University of Santa Catarina.

When I moved to Canada, in 2014, I transitioned to coaching. This experience marked the convergence of my three passions: sport, education, and working with youth. Coaching became a catalyst for changemaking, prompting me to redirect my career towards utilizing sports as a means of positive impact. As a former athlete and educator, the intersection between sport and education, and the power of football to positively impact the participants is something I started to be more interested in.

At Right To Play, I play a role in bringing sports to underserved communities across Canada. The Indigenous Programs focus on protecting, educating, and empowering children through play, fostering healthy living, relationships, and essential life skills through partnership with Indigenous stakeholders. The best part of my position lies in the opportunity to travel to remote communities, supporting the delivery of meaningful sports programs and gaining insights into Indigenous history and culture.

Bonito: Why do you think football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world? Do you think it has an advantage in Canada over some of the more established Canadian sports? 

Douglas: Football’s profound impact and global resonance can be traced to its unique combination of universal accessibility, cultural significance, and emotional connections. Growing up, playing football wasn’t merely a choice for me; it was a fundamental aspect of my identity. Rooted in the culture of my birthplace, football became the primary avenue for physical activity and a shared experience within the community.

In contrast, the Canadian context, traditionally dominated by hockey, presents a shift. However, with an influx of new immigrants and the associated costs of hockey, football emerges as a more accessible and inclusive option. As professionals in the field, we recognize the need to strategically use sports as a hook, creating environments that are not only safe and fun but also outcome-oriented.

Football’s global appeal is fueled by its simplicity, requiring minimal equipment, and its deep cultural significance. It serves as a universal language that transcends borders, fostering emotional connections and a sense of unity among diverse populations.  Football’s cost-effectiveness further contributes to its accessibility, making it a viable alternative in communities such as indigenous communities in Canada where economic barriers might limit participation in other sports.

Bonito: while many regions get a lot of focus in the football for good world- we don’t hear much about indigenous communities. Tell us about some of the projects you are currently working on using football as a tool for indigenous community development?

Douglas: No, we are a bit unique in that regards. In the realm of football for good, my involvement with Right To Play has encompassed a multifaceted approach, considering the diverse cultural contexts and worldviews of our Indigenous partners in Canada. We embrace a multisport approach, allowing Indigenous partners to choose the type of program they run. Importantly, this isn’t limited to traditional sports but extends to various forms of play, recognizing the contextual and cultural components of play itself.

I have had the privilege of traveling to numerous community partners across the country to support the delivery of sport clinics. These initiatives spanned a spectrum of sports, reflecting the diverse interests within communities. Projects included lacrosse, hockey, volleyball, football, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, snowboarding, skateboarding, cheerleading, and hoop dancing.

One noteworthy project unfolded in the Osoyoos Indian Band, south of British Columbia, Canada. Collaborating with local star Marvin Louie, we organized a football (soccer in Canada) for development clinic. Visiting three different schools, we introduced soccer fundamentals such as passing, dribbling, and shooting to over 150 participants. To ensure the sustainability of the project, we left over 50 soccer balls within the community.

Also Last summer, we had the incredible opportunity to partner with the Kenora Chiefs Advisory in the Kenora area of Northwestern Ontario. Invited by the organization — represented by Josiah Penner, Terry Parisien, and the dedicated Program Officer Rachel Crook — I facilitated a soccer clinic for the local community. Our efforts extended to engaging the local school in Whitefish Bay, creating a truly inclusive and fun experience for the youth.

Bonito: Fantastic!

Bonito: Can you also tell us about Skill Up Futsal!

Douglas: Oh yes of course- Additionally, I am currently leading the Skill Up Futsal Training initiative, a program designed to support the development of young Canadian players through futsal. While incorporating elements of Sport for Development in the sessions, this program places a particular emphasis on performance outcomes. It aims to enhance the skills of young players through focused training sessions, contributing to their overall development both on and off the field.

Bonito: Where do you see the football for  good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Douglas: Looking ahead, the football/sport for social good field is expected to broaden its focus beyond immediate physical benefits, aiming for a more extensive societal impact. This evolution may see sports, including football, becoming increasingly instrumental in addressing overarching issues such as mental health, gender equality, education, and community cohesion.

Technology is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sport for social good. The ongoing integration of innovative solutions, including virtual training platforms, data analytics, and interactive experiences, could significantly enhance program delivery, participant engagement, and monitoring processes.

One crucial aspect to consider is the balance between broader outcomes and performance. Participant engagement often thrives when tangible results of their efforts are visible. Striking this balance will be essential in maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of sport for social good programs. Additionally, there is a potential for further development of Monitoring and Evaluation tools to support evidence generation. Enhancing these tools will be crucial in demonstrating the value of sports in the process of positive social change, providing a robust foundation for future initiatives.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football (or sport) for social good journey that touched your heart profoundly?

Douglas: A profoundly touching moment in my sport for social good journey occurred during my visits to remote (fly-in) communities in northern Canada. These communities, isolated by colonialism processes, often find themselves accessible only by plane or winter roads during the colder months. Leaving these communities is a rarity, as flights are expensive and many families can’t afford them. When Indigenous youth do leave, it’s usually for reasons such as hospitalization or evacuations.

However, there are instances where partners manage to bring these youth to participate in sports tournaments, such as the Little Native Hockey League in Ontario. Every time I visited these remote communities, the warmth of their welcome and the genuine hospitality touched my heart deeply. Non-residents, especially those bringing a week of joy through sports and the presence of a positive Indigenous role model, along with brand new sports equipment, are a rarity.

In the initial days, there’s often a hesitancy, a wariness of the unknown visitors. Yet, as the week unfolds, a transformation occurs. The participants, by the last day, not only participate wholeheartedly but walk us to the lodge, seeking photos, autographs, and hugs. It’s a testament to the impact of sport, not just as a game but as a catalyst for building connections, fostering trust, and creating positive memories. These moments, filled with joy and shared experiences, highlight the power of sport for social good in bridging gaps, breaking barriers, and leaving lasting imprints on the hearts of those involved.

Bonito: Is there one colleague at your organization or who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Douglas: I’d like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on two incredible colleagues at my organization—Rolan Mendoza and Sami El-Sibaey. Both of them play crucial roles in the sport for social good environment, and their contributions often go beyond the spotlight.

Rolan Mendoza, a Mexican-Canadian, brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. As a former local youth worker in Squamish First Nation, Squamish, BC, Rolan has provided invaluable insights into how sports programming unfolds in communities. His on-the-ground experience has been instrumental in shaping our approach to be more supportive and realistic in meeting the actual needs of the communities we partner with. During the pandemic, Rolan demonstrated exceptional leadership by delivering gender-equity and Mixed Martial Arts programs in Squamish. In these challenging times, he played a key role in shifting our focus toward community-led initiatives, ensuring the safety of all participants from Covid-19.

Sami El-Sibaey, a Syrian-Egyptian-Canadian, is another outstanding colleague whose work deserves recognition. With an impressive educational background and extensive experience in football coaching, Sami has invested significant time in understanding the profound impact of sports on individuals. His dedication goes beyond the conventional, as he has also committed time to comprehend various Indigenous frameworks and their application to our work. Sami’s holistic understanding enriches our initiatives and contributes to the broader goal of leveraging sports for positive social change.

I want to express my gratitude to Rolan and Sami for their outstanding work, commitment, and the positive influence they bring to our organization’s mission in the sport for social good arena. Their efforts are integral to the success of our initiatives, and they truly embody the spirit of making a difference through sports.

Bonito: Douglas, what an interesting story you have spanning so much geographical territory and cultural territory! thanks so much for joining us.

Douglas: My pleasure Bonito- a fantastic Portuguese name!

BIO

Name: Douglas Arienti

Organization (s): Righty To Play

Role: Training Manager, Indigenous Programs

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: Hope & Health

Favorite Football Club: Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: FC Barcelona

Uniting for Community Impact: Feyenoord and Manchester City’s Partnership

Football’s power goes far beyond the pitch. It has the ability to create lasting change in communities, a fact exemplified by the exciting collaboration between the iconic and historic football brands of Feyenoord and Manchester City. Both clubs, known for their commitment to social responsibility, have united to expand their community impact through shared expertise and innovation.

Feyenoord, known for its extensive work with the Feyenoord Foundation, has consistently been a leader in community initiatives within the Netherlands. Similarly, Manchester City’s City in the Community Foundation has established itself as a benchmark for innovative community outreach in the UK and beyond.

By working together, Feyenoord and Manchester City aim to amplify their local and global initiatives, focusing on inclusion, education, and empowerment. Both organizations are members of the European Football Development Network (EFDN), and this initiative will align perfectly with the EFDN mission to empower individuals and organizations to use football for societal benefit.

The Collaboration: Learning and Growing Together

Feyenoord’s “Feyenoord Foundation Academy” and Manchester City’s renowned community initiatives such as “City in the Community” are already celebrated for their impactful work. Now, through this partnership, both clubs are exchanging knowledge and best practices to further strengthen their efforts.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Youth Empowerment: Programs that focus on personal development, education, and leadership among young people.
• Social Inclusion: Initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for marginalized communities.
• Health and Well-being: Using football as a tool to promote mental and physical health.

This cross-club learning represents a growing trend in football, where organizations come together to scale their impact and address shared challenges in society.

Football’s Role in Social Change

As football clubs embrace their responsibility as community leaders, partnerships like this set the stage for a broader movement within the sport. Collaboration helps clubs tackle complex social issues by leveraging diverse perspectives and resources.

This approach mirrors Bonito Foundation’s philosophy: that football has a unique ability to connect, educate, and empower.

Looking Ahead: Inspiration for the Football Community

The partnership between Feyenoord and Manchester City is a model for other clubs, NGOs, and stakeholders in the football ecosystem. By sharing knowledge and combining efforts, football organizations can make a deeper, more sustainable impact on their communities.

At Bonito Foundation, we believe in fostering these connections and creating platforms where football’s potential for good can be realized. Partnerships like these remind us that, while teams compete with each other on the grandest of stages, footballs real beauty and its power to change lives is something that  puts us all on the same team.

The story of Slum Soccer began with a moment of unexpected beauty. One rainy afternoon, as Vijay Barse, a sports lecturer, sought shelter under a tree on his way home, his eyes were drawn to a group of children nearby. Despite having nothing but a broken bucket to kick around, they were completely absorbed in the joy of their game-beautifully unaware of the rain falling from above. Their laughter, their energy—it was a powerful display of how sport could spark happiness, even in the most difficult circumstances. In that instant, Vijay’s heart swelled with a profound realization: football had the power to change lives, to bring purpose, unity and  hope to those who needed it most. Moved by this moment, he made a decision that would forever change his path. That very day, the seeds of Slum Soccer were planted.

India, the second most populous nation in the world, has a population of well over a billion people. 170 million of these people live on the streets with no place to call home and account for 17% of the world’s entire slum dwelling population. 260 million people in India, earn less than $1 a day. A sizeable portion of these 170 million people are women and children; and they are denied even the most basic rights of survival and protection.

Slum Soccer is aiming to fill the void and to tackle these problems head on. We sat down with Slum Soccer CEO Abhijeet Barse to discuss how they are doing this using the beautiful game in India.

Bonito: Hi Abhijeet, such an honor to learn more about Slum Soccer today with you.

Abhijeet: Great to take part!

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society?

Abhijeet: For me it was some years after Vijay founded the organization, I became a part of this journey and witnessed the profound changes football can bring firsthand. I met a parent of one of our participants, who told me how their child’s life had completely transformed after joining our program. From being involved in negative influences and wayward activities, their child became more responsible, focused, and hopeful about the future. This personal encounter affirmed my belief in the power of football as a tool for social change. It’s not just a game; it’s a force that unites and uplifts, turning even the smallest moments into life-changing opportunities.

Bonito: Why do you think football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Abhijeet: I think what makes football so powerful is the spirit of the game—it’s about teamwork, striving toward a common goal, and, most importantly, the sense of equality it creates. When you step onto the field, it doesn’t matter where you come from, what language you speak, or your background; everyone is united by the same rules and opportunities to contribute to the team. For many of the youth we work with, football is their one opportunity to truly feel part of something bigger, to wear a team’s colors with pride, and to be seen as an athlete.

This experience invokes a deep, often dormant, sense of self-worth and identity in them. It’s not just a game—it’s a platform for them to reimagine who they can become, both on and off the field. For young people who may feel marginalized, football breaks down barriers in a way that traditional outreach methods often can’t. It reaches places and hearts that might otherwise be inaccessible, providing a pathway for personal growth, confidence, and hope for the future. The sport’s universality and simplicity make it a tool for connection, making it accessible to communities that may be out of reach for more conventional interventions.

Bonito: We would love to hear about some of the projects that Slum Soccer currently operates!

Abhijeet: We have a lot! Some of my current favorites in no particular order are:

• Shakti Girls: Empowers young girls through football, focusing on menstrual health, sexual reproductive health, and gender equality.

• Playmaker Fellowship: Develops youth leadership through sport-based interventions in underserved communities.

• Deaf Goal Fellowship: Aims to uplift the deaf community through football, promoting inclusion and life skills.

• DeafKidz Goal: Supports deaf children with opportunities to engage in sport and build confidence through football.

• Community Impact Program: Uses sport to address social issues like mental health, climate change, and gender equality at the grassroots level.

• National Inclusion Cup: A national football tournament providing marginalized youth a platform to showcase their talent.
• Schools Program: Promotes physical literacy and leadership through football in low-income schools, integrating education and sport.

Bonito: So many great initiatives, we will set up links above so readers can go in and learn more about each project.

Bonito: Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Abhijeet: Sports for social good has been gaining significant mainstream attention in recent years, and I believe this trend will only continue to grow. As more organizations recognize the transformative power of sport, we’ll likely see an increase in initiatives that use sports not just for physical development but for broader societal impact. From empowering marginalized communities to addressing issues like gender equality, education, and mental health, sport will play a crucial role in driving positive change.

In the coming years, key thematic areas that will need attention include inclusion and accessibility. Ensuring that people from all backgrounds—regardless of gender, disability, or socio-economic status—can access sports programs will be vital. Additionally, mental health is emerging as a critical focus, with sports proving to be an effective tool for promoting well-being and building resilience.

However, significant challenges remain for practitioners in this space. Sustainable funding will continue to be a hurdle, as many sports for good programs rely on grants and donations. Another challenge will be scaling successful programs while maintaining their local relevance and impact. Lastly, practitioners must navigate the delicate balance of leveraging sport’s competitive nature while ensuring the primary focus remains on social outcomes, not just athletic success.

Bonito: I think that the point about scaling while maintaining local relevance and authenticity is an extremely interesting area of exploration of practitioners for sure.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football  for social good journey that really touched your heart profoundly and stays with you?

Abhijeet: I was visiting one of our slum programs, and after spending some time walking around the community, I found myself lost and hungry. Unsure of what to do next, I decided to sit down for a moment. Almost instantly, I was approached by a local family who, recognizing the Slum Soccer kit I was wearing, kindly offered me refreshments and directions to the field. What struck me the most was when they shared that their son had been attending our sessions. They told me how, through football and the guidance of our coaches, he had overcome his addictions and was now on a positive path. Hearing this firsthand reminded me of the deep, personal impact our programs have on people’s lives. It wasn’t just about the sport—it was about real transformation, hope, and the power of community. That moment profoundly touched me and reaffirmed why we do what we do.

Bonito: Is there one colleague at your organization or who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Abhijeet: I would like to shine a light on Coach Anas Akhtar, who began his journey with us as a grassroots coach. Since joining, Anas has shown incredible dedication, not only upgrading his coaching license but also stepping into a leadership role where he actively supports and mentors other coaches. His passion for empowering young players and fellow coaches has been inspiring, and his efforts have made a significant impact on both our team and the broader community. Anas’s commitment goes beyond the pitch, embodying the true spirit of development and leadership in sport.

Our vision for the next few years: We are looking at having an even deeper presence in the communities that we work with, involving not just the children and youth but also the parents. We want to have a lifelong engagement with sports for them. We are also looking at improvement on the excellence side of football where we are talking with club and youth academies for our children to be given a chance for selection trials.

Bonito: Abhijeet, its been such a pleasure talking to you and we look forward to keep promoting the beauty of football together in the future.

Abhijeet: Thanks so much and so happy to have Bonito in this arena!

BIO

Name: Abhijeet Barse

Organization: Slum Soccer

Role: CEO

Favorite Football  for good organization apart from your own: Homeless World Cup and Common Goal

Favorite Football Club: Seemapuri FC

In a world where football was considered off-limits for girls, Sana’s journey began on the school playgrounds of Pakistan. From an early age, she found herself drawn to the game, captivated by its power to connect, energize, and inspire. Her path took a bold step forward when she joined Young Rising Stars FC, one of Pakistan’s pioneering women’s football clubs. Through this experience, Sana’s passion for football deepened, and her vision expanded as she saw firsthand how the sport could uplift girls like herself. A few years later, she was selected for an exchange program to the United States—a trip that would forever change her. There, she witnessed football in a new light: not just as a game, but as a tool for community building and social change.

Now, as a leading voice in the sport-for-good sector, Sana dedicates herself to programs that empower young girls in Pakistan and beyond, creating pathways for them in a game that once felt out of reach. She joins Bonito to recount her remarkable journey from national team player to global advocate, shedding light on the power of football to inspire transformation and to open doors where they were once firmly shut.

*note: This interview was conducted while Sana was still at Right to Play- she has recently joined the wonderful organization Free to Run as their Global Programs Manager

Bonito: Welcome Sana, we are so excited to speak with you on our platform!

Sana: likewise, great to be here with Bonito- what a great platform you are creating.

Bonito: Tell us about how your passion for football began and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society? 

Sana: I think I was always a ‘sporty’ person, and my parents encouraged outdoor activity. Interestingly I also went to a school that at the time was among a handful of schools that promoted sports in Pakistan. We had annual sports days and football was also one of the games we played at school. As I grew older, I had the chance to tryout for a football club (The Young Rising Stars FC)…one of the pioneer women’s football clubs in the country. We were supported by the U.S Embassy in Islamabad, as part of an initiative to support grass roots women’s football. After we won our first ever championship in 2008, we were invited to participate in an exchange program to the United States (in 2009).  I learnt a lot on that trip; I saw football at every level (toddlers/pre-schoolers, high school, college and professional level football). On our last day, we attended a camp for autistic children where football was being used as a tool to engage the children. It was the first time I saw football being played without the concept of competition but rather just as a platform to expend the energy of the kids who were on a spectrum of learning. When I returned to Pakistan, I decided I wanted to explore this aspect of sport and started researching online and eventually ended up writing my thesis on the ‘Impact of sport on the self-esteem of Pakistani sports women”. And that is the beginning of my sport-for-development journey.

Bonito: It sounds like that was an eye opening and life changing experience to travel on that exchange. Why do you think football as a sport evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world?

Sana: I think because football is accessible. You don’t need a whole lot of equipment to play- just a ball… and in many communities, I have seen children be very creative about making a ball even if they don’t have one. And you get by using a mostly flat surface of any kind (I mean a ground is ideal, but people play on cemented surfaces, grass, turf, or even uneven spaces, as long as their ball is rolling). You can vary the number of players, and most likely if you are at the park, most people will get a chance to play. I think it is the inclusive and accessible nature of the sport that resonates with so many people…..and it’s just a lot of fun!

Bonito: Tell us about some of the football based projects you undertook in Pakistan and how has the game evolved over the last 15 years or so for young girls and women?

Sana: With Right To Play, we initiated a girl-focused football-for-development program in Lyari, in the city of Karachi. Lyari is known to be a hub for football in Pakistan, despite it being a low and middle income community, with limited resources and facilities, people struggling with poverty, drugs and crime, it thrives with the energy of its people.  

With the support of our corporate partner- Standard Chartered Bank, Right To Play engaged adolescent girls in modified football activities suitable for people of varying abilities, that teach life and leadership skills. The program called “Goal” aims at teaching both technical football skills and life skills (such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution etc.). It is coupled with a girls’ specific curriculum (developed by Standard Chartered and their partners Women Win Foundation), which focuses on topics of rights, body-image, gender based violence, health/nutrition and financial literacy – all key aspects of building greater agency and empowering women. 

Since I started playing the game has evolved immensely in Pakistan. We went from having to convince school leadership (in a private school where i studied), about the importance of girls playing, and still having to go behind their back to participate in event to the same schools now sponsoring sport uniforms/playing kits for their girls’ teams and many even offering sport scholarships.

However, the situation is still very different in the public schools that serve the majority of the Pakistani population- we have to do a lot of work, a lot of sensitization, a lot of community mobilization, just negotiating with parents and teachers to help them understand the value of sport programming. They are still in the mindset of “sport and play are a waste of time”.

Bonito: You just finished a long stint as the Global Partnerships responsible at Right to Play-Where do you see the football/sport for social good field heading in the next years? Which thematic areas will be most important to deal with and what are the big challenges awaiting sport for good practitioners?

Sana: Well, at Right To Play, we started as a sport-based organization and expanded over the years to incorporate all forms of play. The focus on football specifically is shifting, as we are aiming at play-based education (i.e. improving literacy and numeracy through play). However, football remains an important part of the Pakistan program as the football-focused girls’ empowerment programs have proven to have immense impact.

The covid pandemic, for the first time, gave me a reality check on how the sport for social good field could be impacted. Luckily we were able to modify programs and survive that phase. But reflecting on that experience, I think it is important for us to anticipate similar challenges in the future and be ready with mitigation strategies. 

As for themes, I think climate change is a universal concern and that needs to be the focus of upcoming sport-for-development programs, as we can create behavior change and positive practices through sport, positively impacting the overall environment at local level. 

Safeguarding will and always be a concern in any programs working with children. I definitely think we have a lot of work to do in safe sport and with building more robust policies and practices in the sport-for-development realm. 

As for challenges; one thing already quite common and I have seen it happen, are youth centered sport programs claiming a greater good, but actually are not so intentional and structured in their work. We need to be able to differentiate between getting a bunch of kids together to play a game/match, versus enrollment in a regular sport-for-development program designed with meaningful outcomes. One-off events for optics have sometimes been used to pass off as S4D programs creating change, which we need to be more careful of. 

Lastly, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) has always been and is still a tricky space. How are we gauging the impact of these programs…..short-term studies may not bring the most authentic results….long term studies are more likely to really help identify the deep impact of participation in S4D programs.

Bonito: Can you tell us about a moment in your football (or sport) for social good journey that touched your heart profoundly?

Sana: Oh there are so many-but I think one of the incidents I will share is Right To Play’s work in a slum area in the outskirts of the capital city of Islamabad. The makeshift schools by a private charity have informal infrastructure, children sit on the floor on mats and study, and have just a barren space outside the walls of their school to play. That space is public and often taken over by boys and men in the neighborhood, and/or by random motorcyclists to pass through as a short cut, or by loiterers who especially stop to stare as girls play. So once when conducting a focus group discussion with girls in that school, I was told that even though RTP’s program ended in the school, the girls were still eager to play and did not feel comfortable with all the challenges in the outdoor space they had. One of the girls would make her own efforts to collect girls, and try playing football within the confines of their school walls, but they were just demotivated due to the lack of space. Right To Play then built a temporary wall around the ground… and since that day the situation has changed completely. On my next visit to the school, one of the boys came over and jokingly said to me “the girls have taken over the ground, we don’t get a chance to play”… and that is definitely a positive step in equaling the playing field. I am very proud of those girls for taking space and continuing to follow their love for the game. 

Bonito: That is so awesome- those girls literally broke down metaphoric barriers by building a physical one!

Sana: I know right!

Bonito: There are so many wonderful people working at Right to Play- many who go unnoticed in the global sport for good sector- Is there a specific colleague (or now former colleague) who you have collaborated with who maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight that you would like to shine today and why?

Sana: There are so many colleagues doing great things, and I have respect for most of them who truly do care about the people and communities Right To Play works with. But the reason I choose to admire one of my colleagues is because of his own personal journey. The Country Director of Right To Play in Pakistan- Ali Khayam. One might assume he gets his fair share of appreciation being in that leadership position, but I think it is the exact opposite. People take his success for granted, whereas I find his journey very inspiring. He started with Right To Play over 12 years ago or so, right when the organization was starting programs in Pakistan… and he was a communications intern or assistant I believe. He took public transport at odd hours, to travel inter-city when we had no organizational cars or even set SOPs, to manage such things. He worked to build relationships with local and national media, who would cover RTP’s work, as it was too new and people didn’t understand what we were doing. He went from writing impact stories about our programs, and organizing media events, to writing proposals to get new funding, and setting up new projects, eventually becoming a project manager – then a Program Manager- then Head of Office and- then Country Director. When he became Head of Office, we were shrinking as a country program- our government restrictions for INGOs became even stricter and amidst the downsizing of our staff, and regulations, we also were hit with the covid pandemic. It felt like the end of our journey at Right To Play, and I was personally so insecure about my own and my colleagues’ jobs, as well as the future of S4D programs (due to all the social distancing etc.). But we pulled through under his leadership. I remember him motivating us to be creative, fight for our space, and modify our work to continue providing benefit to the children….and we found a way. He let us take risks, and innovate, and supported our decisions to do more work, sometimes even out of our traditional scope. 

We modified programs and aggressively fundraised and today Pakistan is among the country offices with the largest portfolio. Our team is thriving and we didn’t have to reduce a single staff member during covid. We have only expanded since then, and our programs have diversified bringing new partners on board….and the best part is we have expanded to new geographies in Pakistan, bringing the benefit of sport and play programs to more children. He was in  a recent op-ed by the leading national newspaper. 

Bonito: Sounds like a real leader!

Bonito: A documentary film has recently been made about the Pakistan Women’s National Team which you contributed to. Can you tell us a bit about the film and also what does it make you feel about your own competitive stint in Pakastani Football as a trailblazer for the young girls today?

Sana:Yes-I am so excited that the documentary premiered in Pakistan on Women’s Day (2024), and will soon be launched worldwide (it is called Her Right to Play). I was approached by the Director to help connect them to the right people in the game, and as someone who cares about promoting football, I immediately agreed. The film focuses on the current Pakistan National Women’s football team and their first ever participation in the AFC Olympic qualifiers (which they played last year in Tajikistan). It was a historic achievement for Pakistan, and the documentary sheds light on the experiences of being a female athlete in the country, by focusing on a few key players (Here is a link of Pakistan’s win: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPHWiFu_dlQ).

During the shooting, I got to meet the girls from the current team- we have a few expats on the team now (Pakistanis with dual nationality living abroad). They raise the standard of the game, and add value to the team definitely. Only two of my previous teammates are still on the team, and I felt so proud to watch them. They told me how things have drastically improved (in the compensation they receive, the facilities they are provided and the quality of training and frequency of competitions). It made me happy to know we are moving forward, because the 8-year ban of the Pakistan Football Federation by FIFA really regressed the sport tenfold! 

The current Captain- Maria Jamila Khan (a Pakistani American), thanked me numerous times to acknowledge and appreciate our trailblazing efforts, and I felt proud to have played that role….a LOT has changed since the first Pakistani Women’s Football team went to play abroad in 2010 but we still have a long way to go. I feel good that we were able to change the landscape and open doors for more women to participate, as I have seen the momentum grow with my own eyes. Girls now have brown-skinned Pakistani role models in football, which I never had growing up! 

Bonito: The Women’s game is growing so much around the world right now. What do you see as the biggest barriers to getting more girls involved in football and staying in football through their adolescence? 

Sana: There are some similar barriers across the world for girls’ participation in sport in many parts of the world, but there are some that are more relevant to a conservative Muslim society, and also to a developing country like Pakistan. these include: 

• Having myths/taboos around participation in sport: People often think rigorous physical exercise can negatively impact girls’ menstrual and reproductive health, and because of misinformation many are reluctant to allow their daughters to play. 

• Traditional beauty standards: I observed this first hand growing up, AND in my work with Right To Play….girls are afraid to get tan skin (darker skin) playing outdoor sports in the sun. I was asked many times about how i maintained my complexion playing football, and that was a concern at a time by my own mother. She insisted I would not get marriage proposals if I got dark skin due to playing. Luckily, she outgrew that thinking very fast, after seeing how invested I was in the game. 

• Attire: People are often worried about the kind of clothes girls will have to wear while playing sport which may not coincide with their cultural or religious beliefs. However, at RTP we try to encourage girls to wear what they feel comfortable in, and take necessary precautions to ensure girls can play in scarves, hijab etc. 

• Impact on studies: often the concept is that those who could not do well enough in their academics, will go towards sports. This is the biggest misconception; sport requires you to have a very sharp mind. We are doing it wrong if we think athletes don’t need thinking abilities. Sport will only sharpen your mind, and help you do better at academics- allowing you that recharged mind and body, and discipline to manage school and sport life. 

• Harassment and male dominance: The fact that sport has historically been and continues to be male dominated bars many girls from playing due to concerns around their safety. Cases of harassment/abuse/exploitation at the hands of male coaches/managers/administrative staff are all too common. We must bring more women in the game in leadership and managerial positions to create greater comfort for women’s participation. 

• Safe spaces: When I moved to Canada, the first thing I noticed was the girls playing sport everywhere- girls in the playgrounds, in the sandboxes, girls biking on the roads, girls running, girls playing football in public grounds….and it makes your realize the stark contrast to a country like Pakistan… we hardly found safe spaces to play. We would have to really go above and beyond to find appropriate places, with boundary walls, or without loiterers who would stare at us, just to even enjoy a pick-up game. 
• Financial incentive: Lastly, growing up in a developing country, the focus remains on activities and career pursuits that come with some financial incentive. The fact that women’s sports does not offer that, really hinders people from entering the sport. Even as a recreational activity, they would rather focus their time on something that will eventually be financially more lucrative for them. A poor nation is not thinking about its mental health, rather their survival, which only seems possible with money. Of course I don’t fully adhere to this, as I believe sport instills in us a sense of hope, a passion and energy to achieve goals, which can help build our character, and contributes to other aspects of our life. 

Bonito: Finally, as you have worked in so many programs in different countries and different contexts, how important is finding the right football coaches when it comes to football for good programs?

Sana: Oh such a key aspect of the programs- the right coaches! They are the foundation of successful S4D programs. It is their attitude, their skill and their energy that will determine whether children return to these programs or call it quits, and even if children learn in the way that we envisioned. Just because you are a good football coach, does not mean you will be a good football-for-development coach. At RTP we have done a lot of work to train people with a specific sport background to understand the principles of sport-for-good….and at the same time, we have often engaged teachers/coaches from a non-sport background, who rather have a good understanding of working with children. Our purpose is to retain children long enough for them to derive the benefit from sport programs, and a good coach can help do that. We do not need a technical expert who will treat the children as if they are preparing for the World cup- the balance of technical and life skills is key, along with the most important element of creating joy and fun for children! 

Bonito: Sana, this has been so much fun to catch up with you. Wishing you all the best at your new position at Free to Run- time for us to go and check out your movie!

Sana: Thanks so much Bonito for having me on and discussing such great topics.

It is becoming a universally accepted notion that our food systems are broken. Currently (especially in the west), food production creates a massive negative impact on the environment and has taken us to the verge of global food insecurity. The positive of this newly accepted notion is the opportunities that it allows for tech, data, innovation and new models to  create a healthier food system and a value and power transfer for the planets largest sector. In short there are massive opportunities to achieve a sustainable and healthy transformation of the food system. 

17 Sport’s latest article , “How Sports Lead the Way in Sustainable Food Choices”, explores the growing connection between the sports industry and sustainable food practices. It highlights how sports organizations, from stadiums to athletes, are leveraging their platform to advocate for healthier, eco-friendly food choices. This movement is driven by the realization that food production has a significant environmental impact, and sports entities are uniquely positioned to lead by example due to their large, global audiences.

Key examples include stadiums adopting plant-based menus and reducing food waste through initiatives like composting and redistribution to communities in need. The article also discusses how high-profile athletes are advocating for sustainable diets, using their influence to inspire fans and the general public to make more responsible food choices. These efforts show that the sports world can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable consumption, given its cultural influence.

By aligning sustainability with the excitement of sports, the article suggests that the industry can drive significant behavioral change. This growing movement underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of the sports ecosystem, from corporate responsibility to fan engagement, to create a more environmentally conscious future.

In countries around the world food and technology is becoming an ever increasing partnership for addressing planetary concerns- could football as a truly global game make this a truly unique value proposition which also could have a tremendous impact on communities around the world.

Football clubs have a unique position- when Cristiano Ronaldo says no to a cola and promotes that young people drink water- it gets attention. Could big football clubs, make strategic partnerships with food and technology to deliver another element to sustainability? UEFA recently made news with there first sustainable catering guidelines for food and beverage concessionaries recognizing that their operations can have a significant impact on not only fan experience but fan health and environmental footprint.

The European Football Development Network (EFDN) also has highlighted the importance and impact of food by taking part in the Consumers Understanding of Eating Sustainably (CUES) project.

Food and sports are in many ways inseparable. the young footballer is fueled by the nutrition their diet accounts for as they step on the pitch. Just as a healthy football fan into their later years will depend on their health to be able to follow their favorite team at a ripe old age. Not to mention the edge our favorite athletes get when their diet is orchestrated by a keen maestro with an eye to nature and sustainable processes. In many ways, we in the sports world are natural ambassadors for this food revolution.

Could food be the hook where football and latch onto to make a real and tangible difference in the global goals?

For more details, you can check the original article here.

Read more about the EFDN CUES Project here

UEFA catering guidelines

As the world recently marked the International Day of the Girl on October 11th, a groundbreaking initiative called Equal Play Effect Africa is making waves by promoting gender equity through sports. The movement is built on the belief that sports can empower girls to achieve their dreams and is leading the charge across the continent by providing girls with the opportunity to thrive both on and off the field.

A recently released video titled “Moving Africa – Gender Equality in and Through Sport” illustrates how this initiative is impacting communities across Africa. The video shows the transformative power of sports, highlighting how girls are gaining confidence, leadership skills, and opportunities through participation in football.

Equal Play Effect Africa isn’t just a one-off project. It’s a scalable and adaptable model designed to advance gender equality across Africa. Supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and spearheaded by Common Goal, Soccer Without Borders (SWB), and Moving the Goalposts, the initiative is driving systemic change both within organizations and across local communities.

Operating with over 100 stakeholders from 45 organizations across 24 African countries, the movement has made significant strides in pushing for gender inclusivity. These efforts are rooted in the belief that collective action can foster safer and more equitable environments for all.

Regional Hubs with Local Solutions

The initiative is organized around four regional hubs in Africa, each tailoring its approach to local needs. These hubs include:

• North Africa, led by Tibu Africa in Morocco,
• East Africa, led by SWB Uganda,
• Southern Africa, led by Kick4Life in Lesotho,
• West Africa, led by Tackle in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.

Each hub works to increase girls’ participation in football, develop leadership opportunities, and address unique regional challenges, while promoting systemic change.

SWB Uganda’s Role in East Africa

As the lead organization for East Africa, SWB Uganda is playing a pivotal role in executing this initiative. With a strong track record of using soccer as a tool for education, leadership, and community building, SWB Uganda is well-positioned to create meaningful outcomes through the Equal Play Effect.

In Uganda, SWB focuses on creating safe spaces where girls can engage in soccer, boost their self-confidence, and develop crucial leadership skills. This aligns with SWB’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that all youth, regardless of gender, background, or culture, can access opportunities to reach their full potential.

The Equal Play Effect Africa initiative continues to build momentum, with partnerships across the continent striving to turn gender equality in football from a vision into reality.