Impact · Africa
Africa
Across Africa, NYSA works alongside local leaders and communities — not to deliver solutions, but to strengthen what is already there. Our focus: community engagement, girls' participation and coach development.
Our Focus in Africa
Working With, Not For
NYSA's approach in Africa is built on a simple belief: the power of sport does not begin with facilities, programmes or funding. It begins with people. Across the continent, we have seen creativity, resilience and initiative in communities where sport is already deeply embedded in daily life.
Our role is not to arrive with all the answers, but to recognise, strengthen and support what local leaders are already building. We work by invitation, coming alongside existing initiatives to help unlock the potential that is already there.
Community Engagement
Coming alongside local leaders and organisations to strengthen sport-based development already rooted in communities.
Girls' Participation
Empowering female coaches and players to overcome cultural barriers and take leadership roles within sport.
Coach Development
Training and supporting local coaches who serve as mentors, role models, educators and community leaders.
Stories From Africa
Stories From the Ground
Sport, Leadership and Partnership
Invited to collaborate with Sport et Compassion, a local organisation supporting around 20 teams and approximately 350 children and young people around Porto-Novo, NYSA came not to teach but to learn. The richest moments came through sharing experiences with local leaders, exchanging good practices and co-creating ideas for how sport could address needs the community had already identified.
"When I look back on our time in Benin, I see a powerful example of why NYSA exists. The power of sport does not begin with facilities, programmes or funding. It begins with people."
— Emma Cotterill, CEO
Partnering for Children in Addis Ababa
In partnership with Onesimus Children's Development Association, NYSA supported coach education, staff development and football sessions with over 150 children in Addis Ababa, marking OCDA's twentieth anniversary. The visit strengthened plans for an Addis Centre of Excellence, uniting sport, education and safeguarding in one locally-led model.
A Stage for Every Child
Sponsored by NYSA, the AdBrand Cup became more than a tournament. This free competition opened its doors to boys and girls from all backgrounds, with a special focus on teams from underserved communities, giving young players a rare and meaningful stage to shine, dream bigger and believe in their potential.
What We're Learning
Partnership as a Two-Way Exchange
One of the biggest lessons for NYSA is that partnership must be a two-way exchange. We come to share, but we also come to learn. The leaders we meet across Africa are achieving remarkable things with limited resources, and often hold a broader, more holistic understanding of community-based coaching than we commonly see elsewhere.
Sustainable change happens through local leadership. This work must happen with local coaches, community leaders and organisations, not simply be delivered to them. Our role is to listen, learn, encourage, connect and support where invited.
Support Our Work
Make a Donation
Your donation helps NYSA continue creating opportunities for young people through sport, education and community development across Europe, Africa and Asia.
Building Communities of Opportunity
Are you passionate about using sport to create real change? We are always looking to connect with like-minded athletes, partners, sponsors and communities.