Save the Ball Soccer for Africa, Inc.

We ask for your support in changing the lives of countless children and young adults in Africa. At Save the Ball, Soccer for Africa, Inc., we believe in the power of soccer to ignite laughter, confidence, and community among children across the continent. However, the resources to enable this joy are scarce. Your contribution could be the catalyst that allows children in Africa not just to play but to dream, to build healthier futures, and to feel part of something bigger. 

We Can Do More Than Just Save Balls - We Can Create Dreams:

Save the Ball is not just about providing soccer balls, nets, or gear; it's about creating opportunities, shaping futures, and giving young people the chance to dream bigger. Through soccer, these young athletes are given a platform to escape difficult circumstances, such as poverty, street life, and lack of resources. Save the Ball reaches beyond the field, giving youth the tools they need to unlock their potential and build a future of promise and hope.

Every year, we carefully selects recipients who embody the resilience, passion, and determination to overcome obstacles and lead their communities toward positive change. These are not just players; they are dreamers, leaders, and the future architects of their societies. This year, we were honored to support several incredible organizations, a few below:

Akosombo United – Ghana this club takes children off the streets, offering them a safe space to play soccer and develop life skills. Christopher Sekum, their coach, shares, “We take kids between the ages of 14 and 19 and put them in camps where they can focus on soccer and stay out of trouble. The most talented players are encouraged to join higher divisions, where they can pursue professional careers and earn a living. This is more than a sport—it’s a chance for these kids to make a life for themselves instead of turning to the streets and falling into destructive habits.” The goal here isn’t just to save the ball; it's to create a path for these young people to dream and thrive.

Hope Soccer & Foster Care – Kenya supports 106 children, many of whom play barefoot on fields without goalposts or equipment. Coach Moses Isak explains, “Our children play on bare feet, have no uniforms, and do not have enough balls. We use old wooden goalposts without nets. Your help means everything to us.” For these kids, soccer is more than a game—it’s a lifeline. By teaching essential life skills, like HIV/AIDS prevention and resisting drug and substance abuse, Hope Soccer gives these children a chance 

Firstlane Volunteers – Kenya composed of rural youths from Eshikhondi, Kenya, embodies the power of sport to bring confidence, hope, and purpose to young lives. Sammy Were, coach, expresses his gratitude, “We love the donations of uniforms and gear. The book Do Your Best! has inspired our players to dream beyond sports.” This team is about more than competition—it’s about building compassion and empowering young people to be their best selves. 

Kids for Africa Sports Academy – Uganda trains young athletes and provides educational scholarships. Many children return to their families after running away, now equipped with opportunities for both sports and education. The Deputy Mayor of Masajja Division noted, “Children and youth in our community are blessed with talents, but many parents undermine these gifts. Sports is more than a game—it’s a tool to rebuild lives, foster inclusion, and promote development objectives like education, health, and economic growth.”

Care Sport Foundation – Zambia is making incredible strides toward gender equity. With a girls’ soccer team and a boys’ academy, they teach self-esteem and life skills to combat teen pregnancy, early marriage, and HIV. Stephen Chanda, coach, explains, “The girls compete in a highly competitive FA Woman League, and thousands watch our games every Saturday.” For these young women, soccer is a means of empowerment, allowing them to challenge gender norms and redefine their futures.  

Kicking for Green – Ghana combines soccer with environmental advocacy, promoting health, peace, and cultural awareness. Coach, Matt Lawie, emphasizes, “We don’t play soccer just to entertain ourselves; we kick to maintain a healthy lifestyle.” This youth team is about nurturing disciplined, morally upright young leaders who will one day shape the future of their communities. 

Idjwi Younger Soccer - Congo
In a remote village on Idjwi Island, nestled in Lake Kivu, the children had only ever dreamed of playing with proper soccer balls. They used plastic bags to create their own makeshift ones. But when we delivered real soccer balls, uniforms, and nets—generously donated through Save the Ball—their world changed overnight. Suddenly, neighboring villages gathered for games and tournaments, and the joy in the children’s faces was something unforgettable.  These children, isolated by geography and circumstance, now feel connected to the broader world thanks to people like you.