Play4Impact

Play4Impact is a youth empowerment programme of ImpactHub for Youth and Children Foundation, implemented in partnership with Sport4aFuture. The programme harnesses the transformative power of sport to promote education, leadership, and psychosocial wellbeing among children and young people in underserved and crisis-affected communities.

Across many communities in Nigeria, young people face multiple barriers that hinder their development and limit their opportunities. Poverty, insecurity, and limited access to safe recreational spaces often expose children and adolescents to risks such as school dropout, social exclusion, negative peer influence, and reduced mental wellbeing. In many communities, structured platforms for youth engagement and leadership development are limited or absent.

Play4Impact responds to these challenges by using sport, particularly football, as a platform for youth development and social inclusion. The programme provides safe and structured environments where young people can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen positive social connections.

Beyond sport, Play4Impact integrates education and personal development components that encourage school retention, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen psychosocial wellbeing. By combining sport with mentorship and community engagement, the programme helps young people build the confidence and skills needed to navigate challenges and contribute positively to their communities.

• Structured Sport Activities: Regular football training sessions, recreational tournaments, and team-building activities designed to promote discipline, teamwork, and physical health.
• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Mentorship circles and leadership sessions where participants develop goal setting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Life Skills and Personal Development: Interactive learning sessions addressing self-confidence, gender equality, healthy lifestyles, civic responsibility, and decision-making.
• Psychosocial Support and Safe Spaces: Structured activities that support emotional wellbeing, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging among young participants.
• Community Engagement: Engagement with parents, teachers, community leaders, and volunteers to promote supportive environments and community ownership.

• Increased access to safe recreational and developmental opportunities for children and young people.
• Improved psychosocial wellbeing and confidence among participating youth.
• Strengthened leadership skills and positive social behaviours among adolescents.
• Increased school engagement and reduced vulnerability to negative peer influence.
• Enhanced community awareness of the role of sport in youth development and social cohesion.

• Sponsorship of sports equipment and youth tournaments.
• Funding support to expand the programme to additional communities.
• Partnerships with organisations working in sport-for-development and youth empowerment.
• Volunteer engagement and mentorship opportunities for young participants.