PLAY 4 CHANGE

Play 4 Change is a football-based youth development program implemented by Better Me with support from the FIFA Foundation. The program uses the power of sport to create safe, positive spaces where young people can build confidence, strengthen life skills, improve their wellbeing, and become active members of their community.

Through regular football sessions, life skills training, educational support, mentoring, counseling, and community coach development, Play 4 Change supports children and youth in Korando and surrounding communities in Kisumu. The program focuses on teamwork, leadership, fair play, conflict resolution, personal goal-setting, and positive decision-making, while also using sport as a tool for recreation, healing, and social connection.

Activities are delivered throughout 2025 and 2026 and include twice-weekly life skills sessions, twice-weekly community sports programs, needs-based educational support, monthly coach capacity building, and weekly counseling and rehabilitation support. The goal is not only to teach football, but to use football as a pathway for personal growth, school retention, mental health support, and stronger community relationships.

By training local coaches and documenting lessons learned, Better Me aims to make Play 4 Change sustainable beyond the project period and scalable to other communities. The program reflects our belief that play, mentorship, education, and community support can help young people grow into confident, responsible, and hopeful changemakers.