Grassroot Soccer South Africa is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to equip young people with the life-saving information, services, and mentorship they need to live healthier lives.
About Grassroot Soccer South Africa
Grassroot Soccer South Africa (GRS) was founded in 2006 as a registered local Non-Profit Organisation with a local Board of Directors. GRS is headquartered in Parktown Johannesburg, and operates a Centre of Excellence in Alexandra Township (Gauteng), serving as a hub for direct programme implementation, technical assistance to partners, programme showcasing, research, innovation, and training. GRS has reached over 390,000 youth – of which over 55% are adolescent girls and young women – with its evidence- and sport-based programmes (“SKILLZ”).
GRS’s direct delivery footprint currently covers Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces, and GRS has an indirect programme delivery in Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape Provinces as a technical assistance provider to local implementing partners in those provinces.
GRS partners with a network of South African community partners including schools, government and line ministry stakeholders, health clinics, youth clubs, churches, traditional leaders, parent groups, police forces, and social service providers. Additionally, GRS meaningfully engages young people and their broader communities in all aspects of SKILLZ programmes to create youth-responsive health programmes that effectively addresses their comprehensive needs.
Key Health Issue Areas
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
HIV prevention, future planning
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prevention and response
Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS)
Positive youth development
Community mobilisation.
We believe that every child deserves to grow up healthy, educated, and fulfilled through Grassroot Soccer.
