Football & Nutrition for Children in South Africa
This fall, FFWU is launching an exciting new youth development project in Kleinmond, South Africa!
In partnership with The Grail Centre Trust and its Mthimkhulu Community Development Centre, we’re developing a sports and nutrition programme to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing children and youth in the local community: poor health, malnutrition, obesity, physical inactivity, and a lack of opportunities.
Why do we work in Kleinmond?
Kleinmond is a coastal town in the Western Cape of South Africa with around 6,000 residents. While it’s known for its natural beauty and seasonal tourism, many people face the harsh realities of post-apartheid inequality.
More than half the population lives below the poverty line and in informal settlements. Young people are particularly affected:
- 75% of unemployed residents are between 15 and 24 years old
- There is no local secondary school, leading to high dropout rates
- Children grow up in unstable conditions, with limited access to safe play spaces, basic education, and care
Additionally, the community is facing the Triple Burden of Malnutrition:
- Undernutrition and stunted growth
- Rising childhood obesity due to low-cost, processed foods
- Micronutrient deficiencies caused by lack of access to healthy, balanced diets
Our Local Partner: The Grail Centre Trust
The Grail Centre Trust has been active in Kleinmond since 2004. Its mission is to help build holistically healthy, connected, and empowered communities.
The organization serves all age groups through programmes focused on health, education, nutrition, and employment—and is deeply rooted in the community.
For this project, they are hosting the programme at their Mthimkhulu Community Development Centre, where youth will be trained as future coaches and mentors, and children will benefit from play, personal development, and proper nutrition in a safe, supportive space.
FFWU’s role in the project
FFWU will train 25 local young people to become community coaches.
Through our 5-day Sharing Goals Coaching Course, participants will learn how to lead football sessions that go far beyond the game itself.
They’ll gain skills in:
- Delivering age-appropriate, inclusive training sessions
- Integrating social, emotional, and cognitive development
- Building trust, teamwork, and motivation
On Day 6, the newly trained coaches will organize a football festival—their first step as community leaders.
After that, they’ll begin offering weekly training sessions for over 200 children.
We’ll continue to support the coaches through monthly online check-ins and an on-site local project coordinator, who will provide mentorship and guidance on the ground.
Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition & Youth Leadership — A Winning Combination
What makes this project special is its integrated focus on football and nutrition education. These two components work hand-in-hand.
In Kleinmond, many children face not just a lack of physical activity or safe play spaces—but also serious health challenges due to poor diets and limited knowledge about food.
By combining regular football sessions with hands-on nutrition learning, this project helps children move more, eat better, and grow stronger—physically and emotionally.
Through the power of sport, we’re not just offering training. We’re building healthier habits, stronger bodies, and greater confidence.
Together—with our partners and community members—we’re changing the game: One coach. One session. One child at a time.
Want to Get Involved?
If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support the project, please reach out to us!
