The heart of Mathare came alive as the Fútbol Más League Fútbol Más League—Fútbol Más Kenya’s signature event—unfolded with color, passion, and a powerful sense of community. Held at the Austin Grounds from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the event was more than just football—it was a celebration of children’s values, community collaboration, and a shared vision for a better future.

The Fútbol Más League is part of the broader mission of Fútbol Más Kenya: build community, happiness and inspiration through the sport. This month, the league brought together girls and boys Valley View Academy and Destiny Junior Education Center, who were selected not only for their skills, but also for how they represented the five fundamental values that we seek to promote in the program: team work, respect, responsibility, creativity, and joy. Those with the most Green Cards—granted by the tutors and their peers—won place in the class teams, while the rest supported from the outside of the pitch, reinforcing the message that all and all have an important role to play.

In total, 147 girls and boys in the League made in Kiberaaccompanied by 11 teachers, 15 mothers and fathers, and close to 40 community leaders —including Youth Leaders and members of the Coordination Team Community (CCT)— participated in the conference. While most of 420 people were directly or indirectly involved in the event, developed in Mathare, a clear reflection of the growing impact that has the League Football in both communities.

Football games —seven in total— were a show of talent, strategy, and excitement contagious that only the youth football can offer.

However, the day was not only of results. It was also an opportunity to build significant links. Mothers, fathers and teachers cheered enthusiastically from the stands, and some even offered their help in donating snacks—96 bottles of soda and 136 breads and cakes—while a sound system, well organized and a master of ceremony dynamic gave rhythm and energy to the event. The traditional “mexican wave” he toured the field, symbolizing the unity and enthusiasm that gave life to the day from the first minute until the close.

"To see the girls and the children not only compete, but also to show respect, creativity, and joy in the court, he was deeply inspiring", said one of the trainers session. "Really embodied the values that we seek to cultivate every day."

From the organizational point of view, the event was praised for his strong planning and running smoothly. The preparation meetings, conducted weeks before, allowed to clarify roles and responsibilities, and all the activities developed in accordance with the schedule. They offered breakfast and lunch, ensuring that participants have the necessary energy to shine both inside and outside of the court.

Aun así, la jornada dejó aprendizajes importantes. Se notó la necesidad de una participación más activa por parte de algunos jóvenes líderes. De cara al futuro, Fútbol Más Kenia planea incluir más clases en la liga y reforzar la capacitación en protocolo para todos los involucrados.

While Football Kenya looks to what's to come, the success of the League Football in Mathare and Kibera is as a reminder powerful: football is much more than a game. It is a tool of growth, a space of inclusion, and a celebration of the strength that is born of the unit.