Grassroot Soccer (https://grassrootsoccer.org/) is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of the beautiful game of soccer to connect young people with the life-saving health information & services through soccer. The organization equips young people with the life-saving information, services, and mentorship they need to live healthier lives.
The following content from https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/Grassroot-Soccer is worth quoting.
> Despite significant progress in health and development in Africa, including a dramatic decline in child mortality, HIV/AIDS continues to be a leading cause of death among youth in Africa. Sexual violence threatens the health and safety of girls. A lack of access to contraceptives contributes to high rates of teen pregnancy. And mental health services are often unavailable.
> Solving these challenges is difficult—and especially important given that 60 percent of Africans are under the age of 25. So, how can soccer make a difference?
> Because it’s so popular, soccer offers a hook to capture the attention of young people. Grassroot Soccer uses the game to involve them in activities that encourage them to live healthier, more productive lives.
> Founded in 2002 by Dr. Tommy Clark, a pediatrician and former professional soccer player, Grassroot Soccer initially focused on stopping the spread of HIV. (The Gates Foundation was an early funder of its work.) Today the organization works in more than 60 countries and has reached more than 18 million young people.
> Studies have shown that its participants had better access to sexual and reproductive health services, were more likely to stick with their HIV treatment, and were less likely to experience depression.
We need more organizations like Grassroot Soccer.
cc: @srijit@mas.to
