On Sunday, December 8, 2024, Kisumu County witnessed the beginning of a promising era in grassroots football as an under-12 tournament took center stage at Bonde Secondary School, Seme Sub-county. Organized by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kisumu County branch, the event marked a pivotal step toward nurturing young talent and revitalizing football in the region.
Assistant FKF Kisumu County Chairman Sylvester Adee described the tournament as a pilot project aimed at creating a structured pathway for young players.
“This under-12 program sets the stage for an under-13 league next year, aligning with FKF guidelines for age-based competitions. Our goal is to register teams for sub-county and county leagues, creating opportunities for growth,” said Adee.
The initiative is part of FKF’s broader strategy to cover all seven sub-counties in Kisumu, gradually introducing age categories from under-13 to under-20.
Empowering Boys and Girls in Football
FKF Kisumu Woman Representative Emmalex Adhiambo Odera emphasized the inclusivity of the program, especially for girls.
“We will engage passionate girls from communities and schools, offering resources and support to ensure they don’t lag behind. Partnering with the county government and other stakeholders, we aim to promote equal opportunities,” she stated.
Youth Representative Fidel Uhuru highlighted the program’s alignment with their campaign’s 10-point agenda, ensuring grassroots players transition seamlessly into competitive leagues.
Commitment to Accountability and Sustainability
FKF Kisumu County Treasurer Maurice Mola Obungu vowed transparency in resource management.
“I will ensure every coin is accounted for, and our financial records are impeccable. This will facilitate the smooth execution of federation programs in collaboration with FKF President Hussein Mohammed and National Executive Committee members,” he said.
The event also integrated environmental conservation, with over 1,000 trees planted in partnership with Gifted Heart and Hope (G-Hope), a local NGO. G-Hope representative Ezekiel Aluoch Okombo commended the organizers for combining sports and sustainability.
“Tree planting complements the theme of nurturing the future. We urge schools to care for these trees as we work towards a greener Kenya,” he remarked.
A Vision for the Future
Organizer Kennedy Odongo expressed optimism about the program’s impact on local and national football.
“This initiative is about nurturing future stars while sensitizing parents on the importance of sports. With support from FKF and the new leadership of Hussein Mohammed, we are confident in achieving our objectives,” Odongo said.
As Kisumu gears up for its first under-13 league next season, the tournament showcased the region’s potential to produce football talent while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.
