Life skills + Soccer for 350 boys in Brazil

As part of our work, we have started a new subproject called “Nivelando o Campo” (Levelling the Playing Field), where a digital tool is making a powerful impact: Khan Academy. Once known primarily as a video platform for mathematics tutorials, Khan Academy has now become an essential part of the daily routine for young footballers, offering them the academic boost they need to succeed both on and off the field.

Recognising that a passion for sport alone is not enough to guarantee a promising future, the project’s educators introduced Khan Academy to help students strengthen their academic foundations—especially in areas like mathematics, where many had previously struggled. Coach Mark, one of the project’s leaders, explains, “Our goal is for the children to find balance between their dedication to football and their development in other important areas of life.”

Educators guided each student through the creation of individual accounts and offered support on how to navigate the platform’s resources. Since the introduction of Khan Academy, the results have been impressive: 100% of participating students created accounts, and around 85% have been accessing the platform on a weekly basis.

The young participants have not only embraced the platform but have also started seeing tangible results in their learning. Ten-year-old James shared, “I like Khan Academy because I learn lots of cool things. It helps me with sums I didn’t know and with topics I haven’t covered at school.” Fellow student Yago added, “The activities are hard but really helpful. They’ve helped me understand division, multiplication, and more. My teacher noticed a big difference, and my parents are proud of my efforts.”

For Joao, aged 11, the joy of learning through engaging, gamified activities has turned study time into something to look forward to: “The activities are fun and help you learn. I learn a lot on Khan Academy, and that helps me at school.”

Behind every motivated student is a supportive family, and the parents and guardians involved in Nivelando o Campo are no exception. Julia, whose son Joao uses the platform regularly, praised the initiative: “He’s started reading and doing school activities. This can make a real difference for his future. It gets kids who love sport interested in school too.”

Another parent highlighted the enthusiasm her son brings home from the programme: “He counts the days until he can go to ACER. He loves it there, and I can really see how much he’s progressed.”

While football may be the initial draw for many children in the project, the educational component is proving to be just as crucial. As one guardian put it, “My son dreams of becoming a footballer, but I always remind him he has to study too. This programme helps him combine his passion for football with learning.”

“Nivelando o Campo” is more than a sports project—it is a community-led effort to ensure that Brazil’s next generation of athletes also become confident, curious, and capable learners. By integrating platforms like Khan Academy into their model, ACER Brasil is demonstrating how educational tools, when used with intention and support, can become powerful levers for social inclusion and personal development.

*We have changed names in order to protect children's privacy.