Soccer + Life Skills for Hundreds of Youth

We are grateful to share updates from Open Field’s Cameroon programming, highlighting our impactful activities taking place in recent months and heartbreaking news from last week.

From February through April, our team in Kumba continued creating safe, empowering opportunities for young people across Meme Division through their favorite game: Football / Soccer. A major milestone during this period was the launch of our boys league, supported again by all of you and our friends at the FIFA Foundation. This year's kick off expanded our reach and created new opportunities for boys in the community to participate in our league that focuses on leadership, personal growth, and environmental stewardship. This exciting addition builds on the foundation of our existing youth programming and reflects the dedication of the Open Field Cameroon management team who works tirelessly to create spaces where young people can learn, play, and thrive. The 2026 Boys League kicked off March 7th and focused on the inspiring theme: Community Mobilization and Empowerment. According to the Communication officer, Divine Kowa,

“This tournament, like all others that came before it, is more than just football—it’s a platform to unite communities, empower young leaders, and celebrate the spirit of teamwork and resilience. Together, we build stronger bonds and brighter futures.”

Throughout these months, programming continued to provide consistency, connection, and mentorship for participants, reinforcing the power of sport to bring young people together and foster hope, resilience, and belonging. One other highlight from March was the team's celebration of International Women's Day with the “Justice for All Women and Girls”. Teammates participated in community development activities and the parade in Kumba - among other celebrations.

“At Open Field Cameroon, our mission aligns strongly with this year’s theme. We believe that empowering women and girls through education, sports, community engagement, and leadership development is key to building a just and inclusive society. When women and girls are given equal opportunities to thrive, entire communities grow stronger.”

— Nenne Ekoi, Girls Program coordinator

Finally, it is with deep sadness that we also share the devastating news that last week, our Cameroon team lost a beloved staff member, Caroline Akom. Caroline was a dedicated and compassionate founding member of the Kumba management team, involved since 2010, whose commitment to young people and her community was evident in everything she did. She played an important role in helping create the welcoming, supportive environment that defines this work, and her loss has been felt profoundly by the team, coaches, youth participants, and all who knew her.

As our team grieves, we remain inspired by Caro’s legacy of care, passion, and service. We are incredibly thankful for the strength of our Kumba team and for supporters like you who make this work possible. Your generosity continues to provide meaningful opportunities for young people, even in the most difficult moments.