Africa Girls United Soccer Academy

My name is Grace Almacy and I'm a senior at West Potomac HS in Alexandria, VA. Last year, I learned about the Khwisero Sports Academy in Kakamega County, Kenya through my dad. We reached out and connected with Gibson, the program director, who explained that they were in need of funds, equipment, and resources. There aren't many girls who play soccer in this part of Africa, because it's considered a "man's sport." Girls are expected to stay home and help around the house, doing chores such as cooking and cleaning. Some of the young women in Khwisero are only allowed to play because the camp provides clean water for them to bring home to their families. However, the game of soccer teaches and builds self-esteem, character, and teamwork. It's important for these young girls to have the opportunity to pursue their passions and learn these principles in an impoverished area where women are often disadvantaged.

Many of the girls in Kenya practice barefoot, with worn and deflated soccer balls, and some don't even have shorts to wear, so they play in skirts. Games are played in old, oversized men's uniforms, which are often mismatched. As a fellow soccer player, it hurt to see these girls my age and younger playing in such uncomfortable conditions. I wanted to help in any way I could.

In the fall, my family and I asked our friends and teammates to give us gently used soccer clothes and equipment so we could donate them to the female soccer players of this academy. My father flew over in November to meet with the coaches and distribute the items we received from our community. While he was there, he worked to develop a vision for a nonprofit organization called Africa Girls United Soccer Academy, or AGUSA.

AGUSA's mission is to promote gender equality and empower these young female soccer players. We want to provide these talented girls with the resources and funding that they need, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential and develop their talents.

The Khwisero Sports Academy will use these funds to cover some of the necessities for their 80 female players; tournament fees, food, water, properly fitting uniforms, balls, cones, nets, and other equipment. Since they are 2 hours away from the nearest airport, and 6 hours away from the capital city of Nairobi, they will be buying from small businesses in the area, which will help support their local economy.

Please consider supporting our cause to make a positive impact in the lives of these promising young female soccer players. Every donation counts.