Soccer League Sponsorship & Food Support Initiative for Kenya’s children
- Providing children with a play environment and improved nutrition -
December 5, 2024
Since 2024, Kikkoman has been providing sponsorship to the general incorporated association “A-GOAL” in Kenya. A-GOAL was established in May 2020, amid drastically increased unemployment due to the impacts of Covid-19, to partner with sports clubs throughout each region in Africa and provide emergency food distribution. By July 2021, the association was providing food to a total of more than 10,000 residents in 11 countries via liaisons with regional soccer leagues in Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria, and through acute awareness of local needs. At present, management of a youth soccer league mainly in Kenya (in October 2022, a soccer league was started for children living in Nairobi’s “Kibera slum”), agricultural support and meal provision in liaison with local soccer clubs in Malawi, and events to support Africa throughout Japan are being carried out based on the philosophy “Connecting Africa and Japan through Sports to Build a Sustainable Society”. As a part of initiatives in Kenya, the 2024 2nd season of A-GOAL YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE KIBERA, aiming to prevent delinquency amongst youth residing in Kibera slum, was held. It was a large soccer tournament receiving participation by 112 teams across all categories and more than 1,629 players.
After the games, a meal of cabbage stir-fry, seasoned with Kikkoman Soy Sauce, and ugali (a staple food in Kenya made from maize flour) was provided. After completion of the last tournament section everyone attended a closing ceremony. The winning teams and runner-up teams in each category were awarded with prizes, including a trophy, medals, and practice cones. By offering a weekend soccer league and meal provision, we provided an environment for youth to grow and flourish.
The person in charge of this project commented, “Kibera is the largest slum in Africa, and its high crime rate, poor sanitation and prevalence of malnutrition make it a highly unfavorable environment for children. It is not uncommon for a poor family of 10 people to live together in 10-square-meter-wide shanties, unsanitary conditions, and with no outdoor space for children to play freely. Moreover, many children and youth living in the slum are not able to go to school and spend their days without food, often leading to hunger and boredom-induced crime and drug use. Under these circumstances, the KIBERA A-GOAL LEAGUE aims to both create an environment for youth to become passionate about soccer and prevent their involvement in crime, as well as provide youth tournament participants with meals for improved nutrition”. Kikkoman will continue to provide a fun environment for Kenyan youth to enjoy soccer and receive meals through the activities of A-GOAL, and support abundant and healthy food lifestyles.
https://a-goal.org/