Catch.Me Sport’s Post

Through a Local sports club organization, sport can act as a catalyst for socioeconomic health, development, and sustained change by fostering friendships, promoting inclusivity, employability and encouraging personal growth. Venuste NIYONGABO foundation is convinced that the country's development will necessarily involve educated youth, a functional health system and identify and sub-contract with existing companies/workshops to place young people according to their skills and preferences. Actions already carried out by the foundation in Burundi: 1. Health field - 4 capacity building and expertise exchange missions at Gitega with 15 expert doctors from Europe - 103 people in the health field trained - 8 partner medical structures 2. Education Against the low education rate of young people! Support young people away from employment and education by setting up a trade and training center professional integration to address the problem of youth unemployment at Bujumbura . Raising awareness among adolescents and young people about sexual and reproductive health. 3. Sport Support Burundian sports actors in developing policies and initiatives on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) ; Venuste NIYONGABO foundation is hosting Girls and boys from 10 to 16 years old at risk of school dropouts at Kamenge and Buterere in Bujumbura district zone . Number of beneficiaries: >300 young people (50% girls) Activities: - Train-the-trainer seminars - Weekly sports sessions - Support on school fees For the sustainability of the project indicated above, we will need investors who believe in the power of sport to make them proud of their citizenship and their belonging to their territory of origin. IOM - UN Migration UNESCO International Olympic Committee – IOC FIFA Athletics Peace and Sport World Olympians Association GVC Italia SportAccord Sports and Society Accelerator Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (Laureus USA) African Sports Changemakers Program Athlete365 Fondation Venuste Niyongabo-FVN

1. Talent Identification and Development Scouting: JKK Sports Management actively scouts for young and emerging talent globally, identifying players with potential and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills. Youth Development Programs: Establishing and managing football academies and training programs that focus on the holistic development of young players, both on and off the field. Technical Training: Providing access to high-quality coaching and training facilities to help players enhance their technical abilities and tactical understanding of the game. 2. Player Representation and Career Management Contract Negotiation: Representing players in negotiations with clubs to secure the best possible contracts, including salary, bonuses, and other benefits. Career Planning: Offering strategic advice on career progression, including potential transfers, loan moves, and long-term career goals. Legal and Financial Advisory: Providing legal and financial advice to ensure that players’ contracts and earnings are managed effectively and in their best interests. 3. Marketing and Public Relations Brand Management: Helping players build and maintain a strong personal brand through media relations, social media management, and public appearances. Sponsorship and Endorsements: Securing lucrative sponsorship deals and endorsement opportunities that align with the player’s brand and enhance their marketability. Public Image: Managing the public image of players to ensure they maintain a positive reputation both within the football community and with the general public. 4. Health and Wellness Support Physical Training: Coordinating with top trainers and fitness experts to ensure players are in peak physical condition. Medical Support: Providing access to medical professionals and specialists for injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Mental Health Resources: Offering support for mental health and well-being, recognizing the pressures and stresses associated with professional football. 5. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility Community Programs: Organizing community outreach programs and events that encourage young people to participate in football and promote healthy lifestyles. Charitable Initiatives: Supporting players in their philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of foundations and participation in charitable events. Role Model Development: Encouraging players to act as positive role models in their communities and promoting social causes. 6. Global Networking and Opportunities International Transfers: Facilitating transfers and loans to clubs around the world, helping players gain international experience and exposure. Global Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with football clubs, leagues, and organizations globally to create opportunities for players. Showcasing Talent: Organizing trials, showcases, and tournaments to provide players with the platform to demonstrate their skills

Last week, Sports Focus Project Coordinator Sophie Bickford attended Scope (Aust) Bendigo’s Balloon Football Grand Final at BSL - Red Energy Arena Bendigo. Sophie spoke with Maggie Gleisner, Coordinator of Scope’s Day Program at Eaglehawk about their balloon football program, how important partnerships are when creating all-abilities opportunities, and the benefits to the participants. What benefits do you witness the participants gaining from participating in Balloon Football? “There are so many benefits that I witness. The social benefits are huge, the participants get to socialise with children from Catherine McAuley College, and other participants with varying disabilities. They also get the social aspects from being active in the community. With Balloon Football being competitive it also benefits the participants to not be playing watered-down sports. They learn to accept loss, and they get to be treated like any other athlete in a competitive sporting team.” Are there any highlights over the past season of Balloon Football that stand out to you? “I’ve seen players who started off quite shy and reserved really come out of their shell and open up, and create new friendships. This highlight extends to the kids from Catherine McAuley College too, they’ve become so much more confident with their involvement, and it’s really beneficial for them to be exposed to alternate career paths in social services.” How valuable is it to provide all-abilities opportunities in sport? “Extremely important, there are no second thoughts to answering that question. It helps to promote all aspects of their wellbeing and helps people with disabilities feel more connected and involved in the community via sport teams and leagues.” Such a great reminder in the importance of inclusive sports, and their significant benefits to entire community.

Many of your local community, from school children to local workers, are actively involved in their local sports teams and tournaments , with football being one of the most popular participation and spectator sports in South Africa and the world. Many tournaments or teams suffer due to lack of sponsorship be it operational costs or lack of funds to buy equipment for junior, youth and senior players, male and female. In our case at Bakone Sports Challenge , we cater for Under 11,13,15,17, 21, Ladies, Masters,Senior Soccer, Netball under 15, Senior, and Male Netball ( 240 teams in total, 25 players per team and that gives you 6000 players in 2 months) Sponsoring businesses are helping to keep clubs, tournaments afloat and in business. There are ever-rising operational costs that the tournament organisers incur that can not only be met by diversifying revenue streams and ensuring regular income. Through the nature of competitive sports, your company logo may be present and feature in other areas of the country or province , particularly if these are front-of-shirt sponsorships or other printed materials. By sponsoring a tournament , or even physical property (such as the building or dugouts etc), sponsors gain exposure to potential new customers throughout the tournament ( in our case as Bakone Sports Challenge - full two months ). Opportunity to have increased exposure and networking with other tournament sponsors and partners through the number of organisations involved in the tournament with mutual outcomes. Your company profile, reputation and public perception can be increased by association, particularly when linked to community benefits and social outcomes such as health and well-being through sport and recreation. A rural tournament that has managed to help soccer players to graduate via Boston City Campus , contribute to the economy, eradicate crime, foster social cohesion and with a good social media and media presence should be of interest to sponsorship The Unilever, sunlight pic below is a good example of what can be achieved together.. All the teams wearing the Sunlight branded soccer jerseys and washing them later with the Sunlight Washing Powder. Illovo Sugar South Africa would be a good partner for this kind of initiative and More BRANDS that are passionate about sports initiative that are giving back to the community.

Sustainability in Sport Sports and Sustainable Development: Sports are an effective and flexible tool for achieving peace and development goals. Since the beginning of the Millennium Development Goals in 2000, sports have played a vital role in multiple resolutions issued by the General Assembly. Sports contribute to achieving the desired goals in the areas of health, education and social inclusion. . Sports and social empowerment: Sports promote tolerance and respect. Contribute to the empowerment of women, youth, individuals and communities. Health and social benefits of sports: Contribute to physical and mental health. Enhance self-confidence and cognitive development. Contribute to safety and interpersonal communication. Sports Initiatives for Sustainable Development: The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace works to realize the potential of sport in multiple areas. Regular participation in sporting activities provides multiple social and health benefits. Ultimately, sport remains a positive force that brings people together and contributes to making The world is more inclusive and more peaceful through its universal values and principles

💗 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 Once we celebrate love, let's use this opportunity to spread some love among the sports industry and remind ourselves of its superpower: fair play. Sport is not only about physical power or strategic brilliance. Let's acknowledge that among the countless physical and psychological benefits, sports teach us to love one another, because love is not necessarily a romantic relationship between two people; it can be demonstrated through respect and teamwork. Today, let's take a moment to reflect on a heartwarming fair play story that exemplifies the true spirit of love within the sports community. In the last 2022/23 Ski Jumping World Cup, Slovenian Anže Lanišek honored his biggest competitor: Dawid Kubacki (Poland). Lanišek ended the season in third place, but he may not make it if not Dawid’s absence. There was a fight for third place almost until the very end However, Pole withdrew from the competition after his wife ended up in hospital with serious cardiological problems. She had recently given birth to their first child and was fighting for her life. The entire country held its breath, praying for her well-being. During the final podium ceremony, instead of shining in his own glory and achievement, Lanišek stepped forward with a cardboard image of Kubacki, symbolising his presence. This simple yet wholehearted act of solidarity is the pure essence of fair play. That’s why I LOVE SPORT, which transcends boundaries, unite people and literally can save the world by spreading good values 🏆 Centre for Sport and Human Rights Red Bull Advanced Technologies Sven Hannawald Eurosport Viessmann Sports Management

THE REAL MADRID YOUTH RECRUITMENT WAY 🌟 Ever wondered why Real Madrid invests heavily in young talents while hesitating to go all in for experienced players? 🌟 Real Madrid has spent fortunes on young talents like Ødegaard, Theo Hernandez, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Tchouameni and Bellingham. Initially criticized, these investments have proven smart as these players excel today. 💡 Even if some aren't in Real's current squad, the club has made significant gains from their sales, with sustantial sell-on clauses in case of resale. This strategy secures top talent at a relatively low cost before they become widely recognized and offers a lucrative resale option if they don't fit into future plans. Youth recruitment also allows players to contribute both now and in the future. Recognizing its benefits, Real Madrid signed Endrick for €70 million, including add-ons, after just a few professional matches with Palmeiras. This move highlights their belief in youth, akin to our mission at CAFO FOOTBALL ACADEMY, where we integrate football with education. 🏆 At CAFO-FOOTBALL ACADEMY ( Republic of Bénin, West Africa) , we're dedicated to developing the next big talents for top clubs like Real Madrid and are open to collaborations with professional clubs or academies in order to achieve these goals. Reach out to me or Alidou AKODA AKODA, President of CAFO-FOOTBALL ACADEMY ( Republic of Bénin, West Africa) , for collaboration opportunities. 💬 Comment below with your thoughts on Real Madrid's recruitment strategy and how well you think Endrick will fit into Ancelotti's 2024-2025 squad. Juventus Football Club FC Barcelona AFC Ajax Borussia Dortmund Davide Fornaca FC Midtjylland Sean Cullen RSC Anderlecht Club Athletico Paranaense United Football Club U.C. Sampdoria AIK Fotboll Jean - Marc Nobilo Johann Louvel

Promoting peace and social cohesion “Football is important as it brings interaction and unity amongst communities living in the camp and with the host community, fostering cohesion.” (Carlos Gatlliah, S4D Coach and youth leader, South-Sudanese Refugee, Kakuma, Kenya). As the AFCON 2024 came to a close we look at the impact and social benefits that this continental sport has on social cohesion. Sports play a vital role in building social cohesion by fostering a sense of belonging, promoting teamwork, and breaking down barriers between individuals and communities. Here's how AFCON contributes to social cohesion: Shared Identity: Sports provide a platform where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to support a common team or participate in a shared activity. This shared identity creates a sense of unity and belonging among participants and spectators alike. Teamwork and Cooperation: Participation in team sports teaches individuals the value of teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration. Through working together towards a common goal, players learn to respect and rely on each other's strengths, regardless of differences in race, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. Cross-Cultural Interaction: Sports events bring people from different cultures and communities together, providing opportunities for interaction and cultural exchange. This exposure to diversity fosters understanding, tolerance, and appreciation for different perspectives and traditions. Community Engagement: Sports events often serve as focal points for community gatherings and celebrations. Whether it's a local football match or a national championship, these events bring people together, strengthening social ties and fostering a sense of community pride. Promotion of Social Values: Sports instill important social values such as fair play, respect, and sportsmanship. These values transcend the boundaries of the playing field and influence behavior in other aspects of life, contributing to a more cohesive and harmonious society. Empowerment and Inclusion: Participation in sports provides individuals, especially those from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds, with opportunities for empowerment and social inclusion. It can serve as a vehicle for personal development, confidence-building, and breaking down barriers to social mobility. Conflict Resolution: In regions affected by conflict or social tension, sports can serve as a tool for peace-building and conflict resolution. By bringing together individuals from opposing sides in a neutral and non-threatening environment, sports can facilitate dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding. Overall, sports have the power to transcend differences and bring people together, fostering social cohesion, promoting unity, and building stronger, more resilient communities. @afcon2023 UNDP @pnudcôted’ivoire @undpafrica @gouvci @undp @unv @ROWCA

Finished a couple of days in London with a visit to the Include Summit to speak on a panel about how events can turn moments into movements - clearly something I, and Spirit of 2012 are really passionate about. The panel started by reflecting on the fantastic summer of sport before moving on to consider some of the impactful EDI initiatives we have seen this year, and where there is scope to improve the ecosystem of event delivery to be better equipped to deliver genuine, long term, inclusive impacts from event. Some messages I brought to the panel: 1. Events need to seen as a pivot point - or accelerator - of already planned change. How does an event drive forward the vision and ambition that places already are working towards? 2. Creating a movement from a moment needs long term funding and commitment - long after the event has finished - and local ownership, accountability and governance. 3. Thinking in an intersectional way about the barriers people face is key - who's not in the room and what's stopping them being there. 4. Giving athletes the platform of the event to talk about barriers and social impact was hugely impactful this summer - brilliantly exemplified by the ParalympicsGB Equal Play campaign 5. Sport is a fantastic way to bring people together but let's not forget about the cultural element of events which is where people can see themselves and their stories on the stage. People like both and aren't concerned with sectors. 6. With careful legacy planning there's a real opportunity to use the events coming up in the next few years to really drive the conversation about inclusion at a national and local level - using those events to bring people together and help create more cohesive communities. British Future (Sunder Katwala and team) and Belong-The Cohesion and Integration Network doing some great work in this space. It also took me back to some research we commissioned from inFocus Consulting (Tom Keyte) on turning moments into movements - https://lnkd.in/eTZpX5Xf Spirit of 2012 is continuing to work in this area so do look at out website for more. Huge thanks to Javan Odegah for his skillful chairing of the panel (and making sure I got to my train on time!)