More than football: How girls in coastal Kenya are building confidence and leading change

Every weekend, girls across Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Tana River counties take to the football pitch with more than the game in mind. They come to learn, connect, build friendships and discover their potential.

Their journey began on 21 March, when Moving the Goalposts (MTG) launched its 2026 Grassroots League at Petanguo League Field in Ganze Division, Kilifi County. Since then, 8,867 girls have registered across 477 teams, transforming community football pitches into spaces for sporting development, learning and leadership.

The season is now approaching its climax with the 2026 MTG Champions League, which runs from 10 to 26 November. More than 4,000 girls are expected to participate, with 425 teams competing across 51 league fields under the theme: “MORE THAN FOOTBALL: Celebrating Talent, Building Leaders, Creating Opportunities.”

Beyond competition, MTG's grassroots programme combines football with life skills development and sexual and reproductive health education. Girls also take on roles as coaches, referees, first aiders and peer educators, helping to create and sustain opportunities for others in their communities.

Introduced into MTG's football programme in 2008, the Champions League has reached more than 10,000 girls over the years. It provides a pathway from grassroots participation to higher levels of competition, talent identification and further development opportunities. In 2025 alone, 138 teams qualified for divisional Champions League competitions, with 31 progressing to the finals.

For Dorcas Amakobe, MTG's Executive Director, the championship is an opportunity to recognise the commitment of the girls and the communities that make their participation possible.

“MTG Leagues give girls from rural communities in Kenya the opportunity to play, connect and grow beyond the demands of daily household chores. The Champions League matches are a celebration of consistency, courage and girls' leadership across the Coastal region.

“We are deeply grateful to the girls who show up on the pitch every weekend, the communities that help sustain these safe spaces and our partners who continue to invest in their journeys,” she said.

Finding my voice, finding my place: Ethel's journey through MTG

“My name is Ethel Haido Komora. I am 14 years old, in Grade 7 at Gadeni Junior School, and I participate in football activities at Reuben Mwewe League Field.

“Through Moving the Goalposts (MTG), I have discovered that football is about more than playing and scoring goals. It has also helped me find my voice, build my confidence and realise that I can make a difference in other girls' lives.

“When I joined MTG, I found a safe space where I could learn, make friends and grow. Through football and peer education, I have gained knowledge and life skills that have changed how I see myself and interact with others. One of the most valuable opportunities I have had is being trained as a peer educator.

“Today, I use what I have learnt to support other girls during our field sessions. I engage them in discussions, share important information and encourage them to make informed decisions. I enjoy knowing that the knowledge I gain does not stop with me; I can pass it on and help other girls learn, too.

“My confidence has also grown beyond the football pitch. I am now the Deputy President of Gadeni Junior School. This role gives me the opportunity to represent other girls, speak out about issues affecting us and encourage my fellow students to participate in school decision-making.

“It has taught me that leadership is not just about holding a position. It is also about listening to others, standing up for them and helping them feel heard.

“I am proud of how far I have come, but I want to keep learning and growing. Through MTG, I have learnt that my voice matters and that I can use what I know to encourage other girls to believe in themselves.

“I hope to inspire more girls to speak up, take on leadership roles and recognise that they, too, can make a difference.”

Ethel's experience illustrates how opportunities created through grassroots football can extend far beyond individual achievement, equipping girls with the skills and confidence to make a difference in their families and communities.

MTG's approach is rooted in listening to girls and supporting solutions shaped by their lived experiences. During a visit to the organisation earlier this year, Tawanda Mutasa, President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), highlighted the importance of placing girls' needs at the centre of development efforts.

“No one knows the needs of girls in Tana River County better than the girls themselves. AJWS is in the business of listening to people facing obstacles and asking what they need to overcome them. Our history is full of examples of communities with smart, workable ideas needing only the resources to realise them.”

Celebrating 25 years and looking ahead

The championship also marks an important milestone in MTG's history. The Kilifi County finals, scheduled for 21 November, will host the official pre-launch of MTG@25, commemorating 25 years of advancing girls' empowerment through football.

Under the anniversary theme, “Celebrating the Legacy. Inspiring the Future,” the milestone will honour the girls, communities and partners who have shaped the organisation's journey while looking ahead to the opportunities still to be created.

“The MTG Champions League aims to celebrate the football talent of more than 4,000 girls and young women across Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Tana River counties while creating pathways to competitive football opportunities.

“With 425 teams competing across 51 league fields, the tournament seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent, strengthen girls' leadership and teamwork, and connect players to opportunities beyond grassroots football,” said Mercy Zawadi, Community Liaison and Football Officer at MTG.

The championship will kick off with cluster matches on 10 November, followed by the county finals in Tana River on 14 November, Kwale on 19 November, Kilifi on 21 November and Mombasa on 26 November.