Optimism galore as MTG launches Grassroots League to nurture girl's talents in Kilifi County

The launch brought together community leaders, parents, and young players to celebrate a league that uses football as a platform to promote gender equality, leadership development, and safe spaces for girls.

This year, 8,867 girls have registered, with 477 teams expected to compete across various categories, including 9 teams from Petanguo League Field.

The event featured the first matches across three age categories, with teams showcasing their talent and teamwork on the field. The opening match saw Lion lose by a solitary goal to Manchester in the under 10 category as Bright star beat Super stars in open category.

Parents highlighted the positive impact MTG has had on their daughters.

“MTG has really helped our girls in various ways including educating them on peer education, which has led to a decrease in teenage pregnancies. The girls are well behaved and the organization has really helped our girls develop their talents,” said Gladys Mwangi, a parent whose daughter participates in the program.

MTG leadership also emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to building leadership among girls both on and off the field.

“Apart from the girls playing in the grassroots leagues, this year we aim to train 400 girls in various leadership roles, strengthening their ability to lead both on and off the field. In addition, over the next five years we plan to construct a sports facility in Kilifi County where girls and youth will have access to safe spaces to play and develop their talents in different sports,” said Dorcas Amakobe, Executive Director of Moving the Goalposts.

In addition to the football matches, parents, invited guests, and the girls participated in a tree planting activity, reinforcing MTG’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the importance of protecting community play spaces.

The activity reflected the league’s broader theme of linking sport with climate action and community responsibility. A total of 700 parents attended the launch to support their daughters and the program.

Speaking during the event, Harriet Simwa, Assistant Environmental Officer, emphasized the importance of environmental conservation in the area.

“Cutting down trees to make charcoal and firewood for sale is one of the reasons for drought in Ganze Sub-County. I urge everyone, especially parents, to be champions of climate action by not only planting trees but also taking care of them so that in the future the area can have more trees and a healthier environment,” she said.

On his part, Francis Ng’ang’a, Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) for Ganze Sub-County, commended MTG for its work in empowering girls through sport.

“I want to commend the work that MTG is doing, and using football as a tool is strategic because empowering a girl is like empowering the community. This program gives girls and young women an opportunity to grow and even be promoted in their various roles in life. ” he said.

The 2026 Grassroots League aims to reach 9,000 girls across multiple communities, providing opportunities for participation not only as players but also as referees, coaches, peer educators, and community leaders.

Since its establishment in 2001, Moving the Goalposts (MTG) has used football as a transformative tool to empower girls and young women across Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, and Tana River counties.