In this post, we catch up with Sascha, founder and head instructor of FFWU, after his two-week project trip to Mozambique. He shares the challenges faced, the inspiring progress he witnessed, and how football is being used to empower young people on and off the field.
You’ve just returned from two weeks in Mozambique. Can you give us a quick recap of your experience there?
Sascha: Many of the coaching methods we saw are quite outdated. A lot of coaches still work in a very commanding, almost military style, and the lack of equipment is a big issue. Some coaches only had one ball to work with, which means kids don’t get enough touches or actions with the ball.
That sounds challenging. Did you also see some positive developments?
Sascha: Absolutely. There was a lot of good learning happening. Coaches were starting to pick up on how to explicitly promote social competencies in football. Things like communication, building trust, dealing with conflicts in a constructive way, developing empathy and compassion, and using modern leadership styles. These skills not only improve team spirit and cohesion but also performance on the field.
How did the coaches adapt to these more modern teaching methods?
Sascha: At first, it took some time. We used guided discovery, both on the field and in the classroom, which means not giving direct answers but letting the kids explore and ask questions. It was a bit unfamiliar at the start, but eventually, the coaches embraced it, and it was beautiful to watch their learning process.
Were you able to put these ideas into practice with the players?
Sascha: Yes. On the last day, we had a group of 25 girls, and the coaches applied everything they had learned. The girls responded really well, and every session ended with a reflection circle. Those were very powerful moments because the girls could make a conscious transfer from what they learned on the field to their lives off the field. That’s the ultimate goal, to use football as a tool for creating better living conditions and a brighter future.
You’ve mentioned before that women’s empowerment is a big focus. What did you observe in that regard?
Sascha: That’s one of the biggest challenges in Mozambique. Most coaches are men, even when they’re working with female teams. Many husbands don’t allow women to coach, which makes it difficult for women to step into leadership roles. In our last course, which was part of a women’s empowerment program, we had 21 coaches but only three were women. They were excellent, but one, for example, withdrew from an interview out of fear of her husband’s reaction if she appeared on social media. That was really sad to see, but it shows the barriers we’re facing.
How can football help overcome those barriers?
Sascha: Football creates a safe environment where girls can find their strength, their voice, and the courage to speak up against traditional gender expectations. But for that to really work, we need more coaches trained not only in technical skills but also in social skills. Then they can pass that on to young women, empowering them to take leadership roles and build better futures both on and off the field.
After Mozambique, what’s next for you and FFWU?
Sascha: I’m already in Lesotho now, at the Kick4Life Center, and I’m really excited about the next course starting here. I feel positive, because despite the challenges, there have been so many valuable learnings, and I’m looking forward to all the new experiences ahead.
