By: Evan Bolton (@EvanBolton_)
In Western Kenya, nestled up against the beauty of Lake Victoria, is the community of Homa Bay. It is a small but developing fishing community that has been transforming in recent years. Within this community is a small soccer academy called “Aspire Mega Soccer Academy”, or simply “Aspire” as they are known by those in the community. The academy is run by two coaches, Francis and Shem. They are humble, genuine, and caring individuals. Their stories, to you and I, are unknown; however, within the community they are heroes; they are educators; and they are role models.
During one of the training sessions we were participating in, several of the boys came over complaining about their feet. They had been playing barefoot because they could not afford proper cleats or shoes, and the dirt field was blazing hot from the beating noonday sun. The boys said, “Coaches, we can’t play anymore. The stones are cutting our feet and the dirt is burning them as well. We can’t run.” This broke our hearts – this would not happen here in the US.
To understand the full weight of this, we need some background. In Homa Bay, as well as in most areas of Kenya, soccer is an outlet and an activity that keeps the boys off of the streets, out of drugs, alcohol, and crime. Soccer, for many kids, is the only thing that will keep them from being idle and falling subject to these addictions and engaging in a life of trouble. So what happens when kids don’t have the resources for proper equipment and cannot play because their bare feet are burning on the dirt field? Potentially, they do not invest their time and energy into something safe and productive like playing soccer; and instead, their attention may fall elsewhere to drugs or acts of violence. Further perpetuating the cycle of poverty and culture of addiction already eroding the potential and success of the community.
For Francis and Shem, a soccer ball and a pair of proper cleats can be the difference between success and failure for the kids living in Homa Bay. They can be the difference between players participating at Aspire or them engaging in other activities in the dark alleys of Homa Bay. This is why we are so passionate about what we are doing. This is why we believe that soccer can bring positive change to a community.
Consider becoming a monthly donor. Your gift will enable us to provide the proper equipment needed for our partners to be successful and have the desired impact in their communities.
Evan Bolton is the Founder/Director of mission:soccer. High school soccer coach. Writer. World Traveler. Storyteller. Follower of Jesus.
You can follow him on twitter @EvanBolton_
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