- Coaches Across Continents
-
Coaches Across Continents is a UK and US based NGO aimed at improving the quality of life in low-income countries through soccer for social development.
Contents
History
Coaches Across Continents was launched in June 2008 based on first-hand research in 60 countries.[1] In its first year, the organization implemented programs at a site in Tanzania. In 2009, it expanded its program to sites in Malawi and Zambia.
Total number of sites in 2010
- Kenya: 4
- Uganda: 3
- Malawi: 1
- South Africa: 2
- Tanzania: 1
- Zambia: 2
- Haiti: 1
- USA: 2
- Total: 16
Overview
In an effort to achieve sustainability, Coaches Across Continents helps local teachers educate children in prevalent issues such as Health and Wellness including HIV/AIDS, female empowerment,[3] and conflict resolution. It uses soccer as a tool to spark the interest and imagination of the children, as well as provide an added incentive to attend school. More specifically, the organization designs games that enhance students’ understanding of pressing social and health issues. The group employs experienced and trained soccer educators to implement its custom-designed games at selected sites in Africa.[4] Its aim is not limited to developing future professional players, but seeks to use the game as a tool for education, social responsibility, and community development.
Since its inception in 2008, the organization has worked with over 400 educators and impacted over 8,800 children. [5]
Mission
“By developing their capacity to make meaningful and relevant life choices, Coaches across Continents uses football to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged children in developing countries. Coaches across Continents, works with teachers and leaders from within communities, to create locally owned and sustainable partnerships that produce long-term positive change.”[6]
Hat-Trick Initiatives
Coaches Across Continents launched its award-winning Hat-Trick Initiative Project in 2008. This project is defined by a three-stage process:
Year 1
Local teachers and volunteers are trained by international coaches within their own communities to use the Coaches across Continents curriculum.
Year 2
One coach from a local community is funded to travel and work in the UK or USA to gain cultural, social and soccer education to take back with them and inform their subsequent work within their own community.
Year 3
Fields and equipment plus school supplies are provided, so that local programs become self sustainable by the local community. [7]
Awards
In 2009, the project won the Best New Project for Sport and Development at the inaugural Beyond Sport Awards in London. [8] It was also recognized as a Finalist for the 2009 SCORE4africa Football for Diversity Award [9] and a 2010 Featured Finalist Global Sports Forum Football for Education in Barcelona.[10]
References
- Daley, John. Soccer and Survival. Harvard Magazine.
- Coaches Across Continents.
- Cuttone, Charles. Sights on Africa. New England Soccer News.
- Bradley, Jeff. This is Africa. ESPN The Magazine.
- 10 in 2010. Kick For Hope.
- Our 2010 Vision, Mission and Values: Creating locally owned, sustainable programs. Coaches Across Continents.
- Coaches across Continents Hat-Trick Initiatives Beyond Sport.
- Coaches across Continents Hat-Trick Initiatives Beyond Sport.
- Score4Africa Press Release 10-30-2009 Score4Africa.
- Nominees Global Sports Forum.
Further Information
Categories:- Association football organizations
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
