Northbound Projects

Furaha Field: Empowering a Community Through Soccer

Harnessing the power of soccer to uplift, empower, and build stronger communities.

Furaha Field is more than just a soccer field—it’s a space for children and women to thrive. Through the game of soccer, we promote physical and mental health, team skills, and women’s empowerment.



The Problem

In sub-Saharan Africa, poverty and social barriers limit opportunities for children and women. Gender inequality issues like child marriage and partner violence keep women in cycles of dependency and poverty. The troubling fact that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys in Tanzania experience sexual violence is closely linked to the lack of safe play spaces.

Our Solution

We are partnering with Neema Village to bring hope to a community in Tanzania through the power of sport. Neema is a safe haven for women and children to break cycles of poverty and become self-empowered. This is the perfect place to build a soccer field as they will incorporate it into their current community involvement and offerings.

Sport as Development is a growing model for bringing transformation to communities through teamwork and local empowerment. Combined with the leadership of Neema Village, this field will be more than a safe place to play. It will be a connection point for personal development, relationships and growth. 

By providing a safe and supportive space for soccer, Furaha Field offers more than a game. Children gain confidence and life skills, while women find friendship and empowerment. The field will be gated and lit with solar power for safe, extended play. There will be designated weekly play times for both women and girls giving them the access to the benefits of team sports.

Impact

1
Studies show that team sports can improve academic performance and build essential life skills- like communication, collaboration and leadership.
2
Soccer gives children the skills and experiences to overcome the cycle of poverty.
3
Women who play soccer are 60% less likely to face domestic abuse, and they gain the confidence to escape harmful traditions like child marriage and female genital mutilation.

“Young people engaging in sport acquire important life skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership. These skills increase their confidence, and better qualify them for the labor market.”

– Sport for Development Africa


How You Can Help

Help us build Furaha Field and create lasting change. Your support will provide a safe space for children and women to grow through the power of soccer.

Features of the Field

1
Neema Village is an established and respected organization in the area.
2
Their current staff of over 100 will help oversee and run the soccer program which provides coaching and safety.
3
The field will be gated and lit with solar power to ensure safety and more play time after it gets dark at 6 pm.
4
The field will have scheduled playing times (10 hours weekly) for women and girls which gives them access as well as safety.
5
Scholarship opportunities for students to become coaches creating job opportunities.

Meet the Players

Bibi Ester

Bibi Ester (Grandmother Ester) is excited for the Furaha Field. As the primary caretaker and provider, she wants her grandchildren to have a safe place to play.

For further research, click here.

Reach out

At our core we believe in connection. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, information, partnership inquiries, co-branding opportunities, media requests, or simply to say hello.