Grassroot Soccer
Project Overview
What? Grassroot Soccer (GRS) uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilise communities to help stop the spread of HIV. GRS realises that the true power of soccer has always been in the connections it creates between people. GRS uses footballers as role models and the popularity of the sport to reach out and engage youngsters. In addition, the programme incorporates social theory, public health methodologies, rigorous evaluation a good dose of passion on the pitch.
Where? GRS works with Peace Corps volunteers in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean to deliver HIV prevention education to youth in some of the most remote, under-resourced areas of the world. This partnership changes the lives of young people in communities hardest hit by HIV and AIDS, builds the capacity of local leaders, and sets Peace Corps Volunteers up for success by providing step-by-step instructions and continued program support. Grassroot Soccer’s ‘Skillz’ curriculum focuses on building basic life skills that helps young people adopt healthy behaviors and live risk-free. Through a series of interactive activities and discussions students gain a tangible understanding of HIV and AIDS and get a chance to practice the skills necessary for sustainable behavior change. Key curricular topics include making healthy decisions, avoiding risks, building support networks, reducing stigma and discrimination, increasing knowledge about testing and treatment, addressing gender issues, and assessing values.
Outcomes? Skillz is a culture, mindset, and toolkit for educators to use when teaching young people 12-18 about HIV and AIDS and life skills. Skillz creates simple but powerful connections between soccer (sport) and life skills. The Skillz approach helps young people engage in relevant and important discussions about life, take small steps to achieve their goals, are resilient when faced with challenges, and protect themselves and others from HIV and AIDS.
Contact Grassroot Soccer
Ben Sanders
(Country Director)
Johannesburg: Alexandra and Soweto / Cape Town: Khayelitsha
Tel: +27 21 426 5154
Cell: +27 71 675 0794
Fax: +27 21 426 5175
E-mail: