Masaka, Uganda — Big Picture Soccer

Elyon Joy Sports Club | Masaka, Uganda

INSIDE PEEK AT MASAKA, UGANDA

Masaka is 82 miles south-west of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda. Extreme poverty, a history rife with war, and the AIDS pandemic has left many children orphaned or with little to no positive adult supervision in their daily lives. Sexual abuse, STD’s, drug and alcohol abuse are commonplace within the youth of this city. Unfortunately, decent education is often expensive and leaves many children without a clear way out of their circumstances.

THE BEGINNINGS

Our soccer club in Masaka, Uganda began in January 2021 when Big Picture Soccer was connected with a local man named Richard.

Richard is a very respected local leader in this part of Uganda. He and his wife were already running a free elementary school for youth unable to afford other costly options. Richard had been seeking the means to start a soccer club for youth in his community for over 10 years, knowing that through soccer they could pull more youth off the streets and into a positive environment.

In the beginning of 2021, Big Picture Soccer learned about Richard and his desire to start a soccer program. Since then, Richard and Big Picture Soccer have partnered to start a soccer club in Richard's hometown that is free for any youth that want to participate.

THE IMPACT

Due to the COVID pandemic, the club was limited by government regulations to about 20 players. However, within months of these regulations lifting the club grew to over 80 youth enrolled and currently shows no signs of slowing this growth! Through their involvement in the club youth are taught lessons like respect, responsibility, and teamwork. They are given a healthy place to belong and offered other opportunities educationally off of the field. Already youth known for being threats to the community have been reforming and becoming productive members of their community through their involvement with Richard and our club in Masaka!

THE HEAD COACH

Richard is married and has 15 adopted children from the area along with his biological children! He and his wife run an elementary and middle school for the children of the community, help organize clothing drives, and facilitate a savings group for single women who are also small business owners in the area! Richard and Lydia are some of the kindest and most caring people you could have the pleasure of meeting. He is affectionately referred to as “Papa” by the many youth fortunate enough to know him.

ASSISTANT COACH

Richard is joined by two other coaches named Ivan and Isaac who are also passionately committed to the youth of their city having the opportunity to play for a quality soccer club and develop both as players and people!

By empowering local, trustworthy individuals like Richard, Ivan and Tom, Big Picture Soccer’s programs are able to obtain sustainability and longevity. To learn more about our mission for sustainable clubs, click here!