Kids Soccer Africa

Beginning with an Anglican church in Kigali, two part time Upward trained leaders, some simple soccer t-shirts, a few soccer balls and a lot of excited kids, the first KSA/Upward leagues were started.

The opportunity for significant ministry growth is now before us, as we wait and depend on God’s favor to serve more churches, pastors, families and children.

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The financial gifts to KSA since 2009, have been invested to reach to as many kids as possible:

• Shipping over 3,500 Upward USA – donated youth soccer shirts

• Purchase and shipping of quality soccer balls

• Training of local lay church leaders and pastors, as coaches and organizers, based on Upward USA methods and principles

• Printing and distribution of Upward-modeled leaders’ and coaches’ manuals

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Foundational for KSA is the vision of local churches to recognize the spiritual value of an Upward-modeled ministry for evangelism, character development and church growth. And a commitment to become self-sustaining for long term community impact for their children and families.

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Since beginning a partnership in 2014 with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) in Rwanda, KSA has been able to move out from our initial work in Kigali with great pioneer leaders, Ben Byiringiro and Oliver Ndarwubatse, to many of the country’s regions and now with significant growth into the neighboring country of Kenya. There has been enthusiastic response from from local pastors, who are excited to have this popular new resource for connecting with their towns and villages.

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Going forward, we are learning from our African partners what works well in Rwanda as well as other countries, including the basic and essential supplies. Thousands of  surplus Upward USA youth shirts were generously donated to KSA during our first few years. One of our major challenges now with rapid growth in both countries, is to provide durable, leather soccer balls to many new teams and leagues being formed (about $30 - $45 per ball).

 

Since 2020, KSA has provided funding for training 42 lay leaders in both Rwanda and Kenya, in KSA/Upward modeled ministries, who can now train others in the regions and districts of their countries. Empowering these leaders with the basic resources of a real soccer ball, proven training resources for both teaching soccer skills and for communicating the love of Jesus, Upward manuals and materials, and as local funds are available, Kool Aid and KIDS FOOTBALL AFRICA wristbands, is a powerful attraction for children and families!

 

Please help us with any donation you can make.