Youth Leading Change: Football Meets HIV Education

Scoring Goals, Saving Lives

What happens when you combine the universal language of football with life-saving health education? You get young people who are engaged, empowered, and equipped with knowledge that can literally save their lives.

The Tackle Africa Partnership

Since partnering with Tackle Africa, we have integrated comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education into football coaching sessions. The approach works because:

• Young people are already passionate about football
• Sports create a relaxed, non-judgmental learning environment
• Peer learning happens naturally on the field
• Both girls and boys participate equally

What Youth Learn

Through these innovative sessions, adolescent girls and boys receive education on:

• HIV prevention and transmission facts
• Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR)
• Gender-based violence recognition and prevention
• Healthy relationships and consent
• Where to access health services including testing
• Life skills and decision-making

Real Impact

"Before joining the football program, I did not know much about how to protect myself," shares Mercy, 16, from Machinjiri. "Now I know my rights, I understand my body, and I can make informed decisions about my future. Plus, I have made great friends and improved my football skills!"

The program operates in Traditional Authorities Machinjiri in Blantyre and Likoswe in Chiradzulu, reaching hundreds of young people who might not otherwise receive comprehensive health education.