The trip was coordinated by Tackle Africa, who utilise the power of football to reach young people across Africa and help increase their understanding of HIV, enabling them to live safe and healthy lives (www.tackleafrica.org). Two of the coaches (Neil & Ben) are holders of the FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football, while the third (Hannah) holds a UEFA 'B' Licence in coaching.
The coaches were primarily working with children aged 8-18 at the Allstars Academy in Kampala city, but were also educating coaches to promote girls football in Uganda. The Surrey FA supported this project and managed to provide a kit to be taken out to the Allstars Academy, which was presented to the captain at the academy's summer tournament. One of the lucky three coaches who took part in this experience, Ben Rhodes, commented “The tournament was a great success and judging by the talent on show there will be some Ugandans in the Premier League very soon!"
The Surrey FA would like to congratulate Ben and the other coaches for all of their hard-work both while in Africa, and in the time leading up to the trip. This is a great example of how the power of football can be used to drive the promotion of wider social issues and help make a difference in people’s lives. Ben and his team are an inspiration to us all.