Nansana, Uganda – In a remarkable display of community engagement, Soltilo Bright Stars FC, in collaboration with JICA Uganda, UNHCR Uganda, and various other partners, recently organized a soccer clinic for young refugees living in Nansana. The event, held at the Nabweru Football grounds, attracted the attention of numerous dignitaries, including the Mayor of Nansana, Mr. Matovu Joseph, and representatives from JICA, UNHCR, and other partnering organizations.
Representatives of Soltilo Bright Stars, including Assistant Coach Sula Ssebunza and players Odongo Jonathan Gift, Nsereko Sharif, and Yassin Mugume, actively participated in the event, taking the young refugees through various football drills. This initiative is part of the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, particularly in a country that hosts the largest population of refugees worldwide.
Soltilo Bright Stars has long recognized the transformative power of sports, and this event serves as a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact beyond the field. According to the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, sports play a crucial role in enhancing health, education, and empowering young people. However, the impact extends further, fostering social inclusion, peace, tolerance, and respect for others.
Uganda, despite being home to a vast refugee population, faces challenges in providing ample opportunities in sports. Soltilo Bright Stars is actively working to change this narrative. The soccer clinic not only offered the young refugees a chance to hone their football skills but also provided a platform for social interaction and mentorship.
The Nabweru Football grounds witnessed a vibrant exchange of skills and camaraderie, as young refugees engaged with Soltilo Bright Stars players and coaching staff. The drills were not just about football techniques but also served as a vehicle for imparting life skills, teamwork, and discipline.
The presence of Mayor Matovu Joseph and representatives from JICA, UNHCR, and other partners underscored the collaborative effort to make a lasting impact on the lives of young refugees. Their involvement emphasizes the collective responsibility of both the public and private sectors in addressing social challenges and creating opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Soltilo Bright Stars FC remains committed to changing the game, not just on the soccer field but in the lives of those they touch. By leveraging the universal appeal of sports, the club strives to contribute to a brighter future for young refugees, promoting a sense of belonging, resilience, and empowerment.
As the echoes of the soccer clinic linger on the Nabweru Football grounds, Soltilo Bright Stars looks forward to continuing its initiatives that transcend sports, embodying the spirit of community, unity, and positive transformation. The club envisions a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, both in sports and in life.