Learning is not a spectator sport

Grassroot Soccer is an adolescent health organisation that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilise youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities. We use a sport-based approach to adolescent health because it builds confidence and resilience in young people so that they can take control of their lives and health, on the field and off.

Adolescents are being left behind in the fight against disease and other critical health challenges. Unlike childhood mortality which has improved 80% in the past 50 years, adolescent mortality hasn’t budged. Preventable diseases like HIV and complications from pregnancies continue to be the leading causes of death among adolescents. There is a tremendous opportunity to improve the world’s health by promoting healthy practices during adolescence, and taking steps to better protect young people from health risks.

Adolescence is a simultaneously exciting and tricky time, and the adolescent brain, particularly the frontal cortex, is still developing; this means adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviours and less likely to consider the consequences. Grassroot Soccer programmes leverage the universal appeal of soccer as the platform to reach adolescents during this critical time. Using soccer as the hook, we engage adolescents in making healthy decisions through our Three C’s: an adolescent-friendly and evidence-based health Curriculum, the supportive influence of local mentor and role model Coaches, and a fun, inclusive, and positive Culture.

A major reason that this sport-based approach works is the influence of the young adult Coaches. The Coaches are typically only a few years older than the participants, and from their local community. They are able to relate to the challenges that participants are facing, and become trusted guides towards healthy choices and behaviours.

Soccer is an integral part of local cultures across the world. By using a soccer-based structure and curriculum, our Caring Coaches build trust, engage youth in activity-based learning, and create safe spaces where young people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing opinions, and supporting their teammates. Importantly, soccer is fun, and our programmes create an environment where learning is not a spectator sport.