We’re equipping young people with critical sexual and reproductive health information to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence, while also connecting them to youth-friendly health and support services
Engaging young people around sexual and reproductive health is not so easy
Critical yet sensitive topics like contraception use, sexually-transmitted diseases, and gender-based violence are often stigmatized or ignored – with profound consequences for individuals, communities, and economies.
#1Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the world, which is a leading cause of death and disability for adolescent girls
70%Nearly 70% of adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa need contraceptives but are not using a modern contraceptive method, contributing to high rates of pregnancies, of which nearly half are unplanned
2-5xAdolescent boys in sub-Saharan Africa are 2-5x more likely than their female counterparts to have multiple sexual partners, and report significantly higher rates of higher-risk sexual activity.
1/3One in three adolescent girls report being victims of sexual violence, and the actual number is estimated much higher
Our Solution
Grassroot Soccer programs use soccer and fun to connect adolescent girls and boys alike with critical knowledge, support, and services around their sexual health
Critical Health Knowledge: Our programs equip adolescents with key information on topics like puberty, contraception, and healthy relationships so they have the knowledge to make informed decisions during a time of profound change in their lives.
Support When It’s Needed Most: Our Coaches serve as critical support systems to young people – mentoring them to navigate challenging situations, modeling healthy behaviors and gender roles, and creating safe spaces for honest and open discussions about sensitive sexual health topics.
Access to Services: Coaches help young people navigate barriers and stigma that prevent youth from accessing critical health services like contraception, HPV vaccination, and STI screening. Additionally, in several countries, Coaches trained by Ministries of Health as Community-Based Distributors provide young people with contraceptives in a safe space – often their own homes – free from judgment or stigma.
Program Highlight: SKILLZ Girl and SKILLZ Guyz
Grassroot Soccer has complementary single-gender programs that engage both adolescent boys and girls as part of the solution to gender-based violence, unplanned pregnancies, and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
SKILLZ Girl is tailored to equip adolescent girls and young women with the knowledge and life skills necessary to navigate the structural barriers girls face and live healthier lives. Female Coaches turn the soccer pitch into a gender-transformative space where girls learn information about key sexual and reproductive health topics, build their self-confidence, and gain access to youth-friendly services for young women.
SKILLZ Guyz harnesses the power of soccer to engage young men around positive gender norms and sexual health through a medium they know and love. With the support of a male role model Coach, the program challenges toxic masculinity, promotes gender-equitable relationships, and equips men with critical knowledge about sexual health, encouraging them to improve their health, transform gender norms in their community, and end sexual and gender-based violence.
I realized the importance of empowering women and making sure that their voices are heard.
Calvin, Participant, Zimbabwe
Our Impact
We're reducing unintended pregnancies, building gender-equitable attitudes, and increasing girls' awareness of critical services.
2.3xAdolescent girls who go through Grassroot Soccer programs are 2.3x more likely to use contraception than those who do not, resulting in 2.3x fewer unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths.
61%Adolescent boys show a 61% improvement in gender-equitable attitudes towards relationships after going through Grassroot Soccer programs
74%Adolescent girls show a 74% increase in awareness of key sexual and reproductive health services, including pregnancy care, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PEP), and post-violence support, after going through Grassroot Soccer programs
My Coach told us that if we want contraceptives, we can always call her and she will support us to go get them at the clinic.
