The Vicious Cycle Of Playing Barefoot

In the 1990s, I played with no shoes, no shirt, and occasionally with the famous MYSA vest that was worn by all the teams. My football career began in the school hallway, the street, and MYSA community leagues and competitions. 

On March 11, 2023, I saw the beginning of the 2023 MYSA Mathare North zone league, which featured U10 and U12 teams. This brought back memories of more than 30 years of participating at the same levels. 

Even though things may appear to have altered at times, a closer look reveals that there are still many obstacles that are passed down from one generation to the next, impeding progress and exposing the youngsters to numerous dangers and uncertainties.

The Genesis 

Young rising stars (U10 - U15) from underserved areas go through a difficult and trying time playing football not only on intolerable fields with stones, broken glasses, and other dangerous objects, but they also play barefoot exposing them to high degree of risk of multiple injuries. 

In 1999, I came up with an idea to address the issue by mobilising resources for Mathare North U10 to U15 teams and players. 

To date, I have provided more than 700+ children with a set of shoes so they can have the opportunity to play safely and with respect (The Wi-effect).

Sustainability Model 

 Despite the fact that the economic environment is getting more difficult, I continue to train the children and youth through our Up-Skilling program to foster a culture of saving (financial literacy) while also reaching out to friends and well wishers to provide support for the development of the children's talents. 

In addition, I'm committed to educating the guardians and parents about the importance of helping their kids get the resources they need despite the many obstacles they may encounter. 

Pictures taken on 11th March 2023

Don't Be Left Behind... 

 I hereby invite you to donate any football-related items to U10-U15 teams. You can either donate partially used (second-hand), help us purchase brand-new ones, help us organise Up-Skilling training program or work with us to organize football uniforms branded Wilsen Initiative (Wi).

." Don't underestimate the power of a ball and what it can do to bring people together " - Wilson Masaka

 Featured previous post; https://lnkd.in/dEugVsuy Do More / Be More / Be Different