How UN, Global Youth Forum are using football to sensitise youth

The 101st edition of the revered World Football Day (WFD) was celebrated over the weekend by football fans and communities across the globe.

Kenya was not left behind in the festivities, as the Global Youth Forum (GYF), in conjunction with the United Nations’ Football for the Goals (FFTG) initiative, held a two-day tournament at the University of Nairobi to commemorate the day. The event brought together 22 teams—14 men’s and 8 women’s—from across the country.

The teams engaged in fierce competition that saw 44 Bulldogs FC from Zimmerman crowned as the men’s champions, while Mukuru Talent FC lifted the women’s trophy.

Jasper Omwando scored the only goal in the men’s final against Rift Valley Roses FC, securing victory for 44 Bulldogs. In the women’s final, a tap-in by captain Elizabeth Kisa helped Mukuru edge out Kahawa Pride Lionesses 2–1.

“We are grateful to GYF and FFTG for hosting this tournament. It has empowered us women in ways we cannot describe,” said Kisa, who was named the Most Valuable Player in the women’s category.

44 Bulldogs captain Brian Olima stated: “We came here to win, so we studied all the teams, identified their weaknesses, and used that knowledge to defeat them. That was the secret to our success.”

Kahawa Pride Lionesses captain Diana Baraza remarked that the event allowed them to appreciate football not only as a sport but also as a platform to advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which focuses on the eradication of hunger and malnutrition—key areas of advocacy for GYF.

Other clinics held alongside the two-day tournament included gender-based violence sensitisation, football coaching, climate change and sustainability awareness, health and wellness education, capacity building, and “Archer 4 The Goals”, among others.

GYF also used the occasion to launch a symbolic ball aimed at collecting one billion signatures to support the fight against poverty and hunger—core missions of the organisation.

“When you sign it, you’re also making a commitment to eradicate poverty and hunger,” said GYF Chief Executive Officer and Founder Peter Omondi, speaking to Standard Sports.

The ball, which already has over 2,000 signatures, has travelled the world—visiting the Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Buckingham Palace—where football fans have added their signatures in support of the cause.

At the same time, GYF launched the first-ever annual Inter-County Football for the Goals Championship, which is intended to inspire grassroots charity leagues.

“Next year, we are hosting the Inter-County Football for the Goals Championship in Mombasa. In 2027 we’ll head to Western, and in 2028 to Nyanza,” Omondi said. “Counties will be required to present their two best teams each year to compete in the national championship.”

Omondi expressed appreciation for the partnership with the United Nations Department of Global Communications, which is assisting with capacity building, outreach, and partnerships, in alignment with SDG 17 that supports initiatives like FFTG.

“As an organisation, we use coaching, sport, and mentorship to empower young people. We want them to gain skills that can transform them into employers, job creators, and income earners.

“We also support teams and communities with fundraising, resource mobilisation, and team-building initiatives to help them develop vital skills,” Omondi added.