Soccer + Life Skills for Hundreds of Youth

Football for Good programming in the City of Kumba continued through the summer months and focused on empowering girls through the beautiful game of football, with the theme Menstrual Health, Hygiene and Sanitation. The league involved months-long educational football sessions that were conducted involving eight teams from different neighbourhood within the City. The target population was 150 girls ranging from 14 to 22 years equitably recruited across the three municipalities in Kumba. The following teams took active part in the various activities:
• Legend Girls
• Kumba United
• Kosala Girls
• Njuki Girls
• Barombi Girls
• Legend Veterans
• Gunners Girls
• Mabanda Girls

Match sensitization sessions on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and confidence-building were key aspects addressed in the syllabus that covered the period of June to September 2025. Participants benefitted from free distribution of basic menstrual hygiene materials (reusable sanitary pads, liquid soap, and locally made toilets and bathroom detergents) and educational leaflets for sensitization and advocacy.

Semi-final matches:

Played between Legend Girls from Group A vs. Mambanda Girls from Group B – Legend Girls won 1-0 from a penalty that was awarded to them. The second game was between Kumba United vs. Kosala Girls, in this game Kumba United won 3-2. Both matches attracted a huge presence of youths from the respective communities.
Champioships

Programmed on the 27^th September 2025 between Legend Girls and Kumba United. Meanwhile the Third position will be played pitching Mambanda and Kosala Girls shall equally be played prior to the finals on the same date.

Program Participant Highlight: Meet Gina

Gina is a 15-year-old midfielder from Legend FC. Before taking part in this tournament, she testified that “often I missed school during my menstrual periods because I could not afford sanitary materials and for fear from being stigmatized by my peers. However, through the program, I have learnt to manage my menstrual cycle and also received training on the production of reusable sanitary pads and this has built my confidence level”.

Through this program Gina had a once-in-a-lifetime experience of playing competitive football for the very first time and was blessed to receive training on menstrual hygiene, health and sanitation. She is now a voice advocating for her friends at school to speak openly about their menstrual health challenges and support each other.

She says, ‘Football has given me confidence to know that my menstrual period is not a weakness—it’s part of who I am as a girl.’