It Started With A Kick - Douglas D Bugingo

Like the Confederations Cup it used to be about all about the football.

But three years ago something changed. Whereas before it was all about the quality of the football (and there is nothing wrong with admiring the finer points of the beautiful game) today the focus is on empowering youth. But how can you empower youth? The organisers of the East African Cup think they have found a way. Before games the excited young people aren’t just working out how to unlock the oppositions defence.

Every morning coaches players referees and administrators are involved in training sessions that range from networking and leadership, laws of the game, ‘Kicking AIDS Out’, conflict resolution and media skills to help NGO leaders to communicate their messages and journalists report them better.

“This is a great arrangement and very useful to us all. You get more knowledge on how to associate with other people from different backgrounds.” Eric Kavuma, a leader from Uganda said - and these activities are just as popular as the football.

“We are receiving a good response from the participants and most of them are appreciative of the seminars” Prossy Nakayi, a facilitator said.

Henry Wambeda is proof that these activities are having an effect. “For the two years I have attended the seminars I have greatly changed my life because I have learnt to live responsibly following the courses I have had on Kicking Aids Out.”

Of course football is still important, particularly for one Ugandan boy, Wasswa Melvin, who has joined the ranks of a number of former EAC players who have represented their country at international level. Although his team was knocked out in the penultimate day of the tournament he is still one to watch out for and his recent experience playing in South Africa should stand him in good stead for the future.