World Football Day 2025: How United Nations, Global Youth Forum are using football to eradicate poverty

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

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

The outfits engaged in a cutthroat battle that saw 44 Bulldogs FC from Zimmerman crowned the men's champions as Mukuru Talent FC lifted the women's trophy.

Jasper Omwando notched the solitary goal against Rift Valley Roses FC in the men's high-octane finale that propelled 44 Bulldogs to glory.

On the other hand, a tap-in by skipper Elizabeth Kisa enabled Mukuru to edge out Kahawa Pride Lionesses 2-1 in the tense women's duel.

"We are grateful to the GYF and the FFTG for hosting this tournament. It has empowered us women in ways we cannot tell," Kisa, who emerged as the Most Valuable Player in the women's contest, underlined.

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The 44 Bulldogs captain Brian Olima noted this about their sweet triumph: " We came here to win, so we studied all the teams, knew their weaknesses, which we used to pin them down. That was the secret to our victory."

Kahawa Pride Lionesses captain Diana Baraza noted that the occasion gave them a chance to appreciate football as a sport, at the same time making a pitch for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG2), which emphasised the eradication of hunger and malnutrition which the GYF also advocates for.

Other clinics that ran alongside the two-day showpiece included Gender Based Violence sensitisation, football coaching, climate change and sustainability, health and wellness, capacity building, Archery 4 The Goals, among others.

The GYF also seized the occasion to launch a priceless ball that is seeking to amass a billion signatures to fight poverty and hunger, which are the core functions of the organisation.

" When you sign it, you also commit to eradicate poverty and hunger," GYF Chief Executive Officer and Founder Peter Omondi told Standard Sports.

The ball that so far has over 2000 signatures has globe-trotted the world; it has been to the Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC), Wembley Stadium (West Ham FC), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham FC) and to Buckingham Palace, where football fans have penned their revered signatures on it.

At the same time, GYF used the occasion to launch a first-ever annual Inter-County Football for the Goals Championship, meant to inspire charity leagues at the grassroots.

" Next year, we are hosting the Inter-County Football for the Goals Championship in Mombasa, then we will head to Western in 2027 and Nyanza in 2028,” Omondi explained.

"Counties will be required to avail their two best sides every year that will battle in the national championship," he added.

Omondi is grateful for their partnership with the UN's Department of Global Communication, which is aiding them with capacity building, outreach and partnerships as expressed in SDG17 that advocates for the FFTG initiative.

"As an organisation, we use coaching, Sports and mentorship to empower the youth. We want young people to have skills that can turn them into employers, job creators and income earners.

“We also help the teams and communities with fundraising, resource mobilisation and team building to gain vital skills," stated Omondi, who has spearheaded GYF in hosting 16 football tournaments since the organisation's inception in 2015.

"Our latest championship is the WFD, which is also doubling as the first edition of the Inter-County Football for the Goals, which we are using to bring the communities and teams together, to inspire them to come up with SDGs ImPACT Projects."

"The successful SDG pitch by the teams can be funded by like-minded partners, donor and sponsors," he stated.

And in what way is GYF using football to empower the youths?

"Through peace advocacy, establishing unity, teaching life skills, team work and leadership. We also empower members economically as stated in the SDG 8, that advocates for descend work and economic growth.

“So far, we are proud of our members including our 2023 GYF Volunteer of the year Justin Mokua who has managed to secure a job with Save the Children Kenya. Another member, Fatuma Mohammed established a Community Based Organisation called Sleak Girlz at the coast which is empowering young girls through football. Our former Secretary General Vaidivia Virginia is currently at Fida Kenya as Program Coordinator," Omondi highlighted.