Empower East African Refugee Youth in Uganda

At Soccer Without Borders (SWB) Uganda, every season brings new ways to grow. Whether through creative academic enrichment, coach mentorship, or league-wide collaborations, the past few months have been filled with moments that reflect the power of learning, the strength of leadership, and the impact of a supportive community. Here are a few highlights from the past few months that show what happens when youth are given the tools to thrive, both on and off the field.

Bringing Math to Life
This year, with support from the Dorothea Haus Ross Foundation, SWB Uganda expanded its longstanding Education Program to include math and numeracy alongside literacy. Working with a professional education consultancy, the team adapted curriculum-aligned content into dynamic, age-appropriate activities. Coaches and educators were trained to bring these lessons to life both in the classroom and on the pitch. Through 15 math-based games developed by our staff, youth now sharpen skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and counting while playing the game they love. The results are already visible. Participants who once struggled with English are now engaging with numbers more confidently, classrooms are more interactive, and youth are developing a stronger sense of self-belief as learners.

Growing the Game through Equal Play Effect
Created by Common Goal in collaboration with Moving the Goalposts in Kenya and over 40 other organizations across Africa, SWB Uganda played a leadership role in the Equal Play Effect (EPE) Africa project, a five-year collective effort focused on increasing girls' participation in sport. Together, regional partners co-designed gender action plans that created more inclusive environments on the field, on the sidelines, and within organizations. From this shared framework, the Uganda Girls League (UGL) was born, a space designed for girls to play, lead, and grow through football. At MAD Sisters, a local partner, a young woman who once hesitated to join the game is now coaching her own team. Her transformation is just one example of how EPE continues to open doors. The ripple effect extended even further. In Northern Uganda, a group of girls inspired by EPE launched an initiative to make reusable pads and liquid soap, combining entrepreneurship with menstrual health solutions. These projects reflect the heart of EPE: when girls are given opportunies, change happens.

Coaches Who Make a Difference
On October 6th, youth at SWB Uganda joined the broader SWB community in celebrating the impact of their coaches. Participants took the opportunity to share heartfelt messages of gratitude for the people who guide, support, and uplift them each day. At SWB, coaching goes far beyond tactics and drills. Coaches create safe spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Their presence is a steady force in the lives of youth navigating new challenges. Whether leading practices or listening on the sidelines, our coaches embody the mission of SWB through their care, consistency, and compassion.

Investing in Safer Communities
In late July, women coaches from all five Uganda Girls League hubs gathered in Kampala for a weeklong training led by No Means No Worldwide. The hands-on curriculum focused on violence prevention and self-defense, preparing coaches to help girls recognize danger, set boundaries, and advocate for their safety. By week’s end, the coaches were certified to deliver this lifesaving program in their own communities. With rollout plans now underway across all five Uganda Girls League locations, this training will strengthen league activities and ensure that more girls have access to tools that promote safety, consent, and respect.

Holiday Learning and League Prep
The most recent holiday program kicked off in August with energy and excitement. Youth participated in everything from math trivia and spelling games to Soccer Tennis and color-coded team challenges. These activities blended learning and play, keeping students engaged while building key life skills. As the Uganda Girls League and Urafiki Boys League prepare for their next seasons, this momentum has laid a strong foundation for what is ahead. It is a reminder that every game, every activity, and every shared moment is a step toward connection, growth, and opportunity.