Our adventure began on August 16th with a bumpy ride on the SGR to Mombasa. The seats were worn, the charging points unreliable, and the journey seemed far longer than it truly was. By the time we arrived at 4 a.m., exhaustion and confusion had already set in. After weaving through a maze of Bolt rides and squeezing into a rickety matatu, we finally reached our Airbnb, only to be greeted by a 24-hour power outage.
But there was no time to dwell on challenges. We dove straight into a community mapping tour, fueled ourselves with breakfast at a small local kiosk, and later ended the night by candlelight. Spirits were lifted as we celebrated Kenya’s Harambee Stars victory, a perfect reminder that even in tough moments, joy always finds a way through.
The following days were alive with energy and discovery. Our sessions with Talanta Sportiff began with playful icebreakers like Circle of Friends and Mingle Mingle, which transformed strangers into teammates within minutes. Leadership Lines had coaches laughing, dancing, and letting go of their inhibitions, while 95% Football threw us into delightful chaos, proving that teamwork and communication matter far more than structure.
In evening, we visited Rama, who was training nearly 50 children with just three footballs two of which had slow punctures. Many players lacked proper gear, but their passion for the game lit up the entire field. What struck me most was the absence of a nearby water source. Breaks were short and players often returned thirsty, yet their determination never wavered. It was a humbling and powerful reminder of resilience in its purest form.
Day Two showed us that football is more than playit is a classroom without walls. Activities like Old Trafford Tag and Leadership Lines blended movement with lessons on accountability, resilience, and problem-solving. The Child Rights Game marked a turning point. What began as a simple activity unfolded into a profound learning experience about protecting children’s dignity and well-being. It was proof that even the simplest of games can carry deep messages and drive social change.
Perhaps the most sobering moment came during our child protection discussions. We confronted the difficult realities where culture, religion, and harmful practices intersect. The story of a local coach arrested for grooming young players struck us deeply it wasn’t just theory, but a living reminder of the stakes. Out of that difficult conversation emerged hope. Together, we committed to shaping new coaching guidelines to safeguard every child who steps onto the pitch. Later that evening, as we walked with Jamal to print certificates, we carried not just paper but the weight of responsibility and the promise of change.
By August 21st, it was time for the ultimate test. Over 200 players—180 boys and 29 girls gathered for the “coach-back” session. Coaches put their new skills into practice, guiding drills, games, and reflective moments of growth. Yes, there were stumbles and learning curves, but the field was alive with laughter, water breaks, and boundless joy. It was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the unifying power of football. In the end, what participants carried home wasn’t just certificates, but a renewed belief that sport can transform lives both on and off the pitch.
As our time in Mombasa drew to a close, we treated ourselves to a slow walk along the beach. The warm sand beneath our feet and the rhythm of waves crashing ashore created a soothing farewell. The beach was crowded with families on holiday, yet for us, it felt like a moment of calm reflection after days of intensity.
After checking out of our Airbnb, we shared supper and met Jamal in Bamburi town. Over the meal, we reflected on whether expectations had been met, grateful for the lessons learned and the bonds formed. At 7:15 p.m., Jamal escorted us to the stage where we boarded a tuk-tuk for the SGR terminus. Our hearts were heavy with goodbyes but filled with gratitude. The ride back mirrored our arrival, bumpy and unpredictable, but it also offered something new: time for reflection, camaraderie, and a quiet recognition of how much we had grown together.
This journey was never just about sports for development or certificates. It was an immersive experience a chance to forge trust, learn collaboratively, and harness the transformative power of football as a force for change. It reminded us that while resources and facilities may differ, what truly levels the playing field is the shared passion, resilience, and spirit of community. And in that spirit, the game will always be bigger than the sport itself.
