More Than a Game: The Football club transforming young lives in Eastleigh
In Eastleigh’s Airbase Ward, football is more than just a sport—it is a lifeline for many young people. At the heart of this transformation is Eastleigh Youth FC, a team founded in 2008 to keep idle and unemployed youth engaged through football. Led by Coach John “Uncole” Mwaura, the club has not only nurtured talent but also instilled discipline, helped players secure scholarships, and provided a sense of belonging. Despite financial struggles, Mwaura remains committed to the cause, calling on football authorities to support grassroots teams like his.
In the heart of Eastleigh’s Airbase Ward, Kamukunji Constituency, football is more than just a sport - it is a lifeline for many young people. Eastleigh Youth FC, founded in 2008, has provided a constructive outlet for the area’s youth, offering not only a chance to play but also an opportunity to develop discipline, leadership, and education. At the helm of this initiative is Coach John “Uncole” Mwaura, a resident of Airbase and a man deeply committed to his community.
Coach Mwaura established Eastleigh Youth FC with a clear goal: to engage young people who were idle and unemployed. Through football, he believed they could find purpose, discipline, and direction in life.
“Eastleigh Youth was formed in September 2008 with the sole purpose of mobilising young people in the area who were idle and unemployed. I saw football as the best way to keep them engaged, and through that initiative, we built a strong foundation that has allowed the team to thrive,” said Mwaura.
Under his leadership, the team has grown significantly, now competing in Kenya’s Division Two, Eastern Region Zone B. Beyond the senior squad, Eastleigh Youth has also developed youth academies, with Under-10, Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams serving as feeder squads.
“Eastleigh Youth has grown into an academy of sorts. As we speak, we have different age categories that help nurture talent and ensure continuity in the team,” Mwaura added.
More Than Just Football
While football is at the core of Eastleigh Youth FC, the club’s impact extends beyond the pitch. Coach Mwaura has used the team as a platform to instill discipline and responsibility in his players.
“I know not all of them will make it in football, but we instill discipline in them. Many have gone on to start their own businesses or find meaningful work,” he said.
Education is another key focus. Many players who had dropped out of school due to financial difficulties have been able to return to class through scholarships facilitated by the club.
“We’ve established contacts with colleges for some of our players. Some had dropped out as early as Form Two due to fees. We’ve been able to get them back into school with scholarships,” Mwaura explained.
Eastleigh Youth FC John "Uncole" Mwaura (C) Justin Ondieki
The team also maintains an open-door policy, welcoming players from across Nairobi, regardless of background.
“As a community team, we don’t charge registration fees. Some players travel from as far as Buruburu to train with us. If they are willing to develop, they are welcome,” he stated.
Like many grassroots teams, Eastleigh Youth FC faces financial hurdles. The lack of sponsorship has made it difficult to acquire equipment and sustain operations. The team relies on well-wishers and contributions from its alumni to stay afloat.
“We face many challenges, particularly with finances and equipment. I have to stay in touch with former players who have succeeded in various ways. We also have a group where we pool the little we have to sustain ourselves in the league,” said Mwaura.
As the new season approaches, the coach is balancing ambition with realism. The team finished in the top eight last season, but after losing five senior players, he is integrating younger talents into the squad. His immediate goal is stability.
“My main goal for this season is to maintain our place in the league. If we can finish in the top five, that would be a great step forward. Then, in the following season, I will set a new goal of securing promotion to Division One,” he said.
Beyond his team, Mwaura has a message for the new leadership of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). He urges them to engage grassroots teams directly, particularly those in Division Two, to better understand their needs.
“My plea to the new FKF leadership is to ask them to come to the ground. Simply providing resources without understanding how they are being used is not enough. If the leaders visit us, they will see the structures we have here in Eastleigh and throughout Kamukunji. They will understand the number of pitches and teams we have, and how they can contribute to their growth,” he said.
Through passion, resilience, and a commitment to community development, Eastleigh Youth FC continues to be a beacon of hope in Airbase Ward. For Coach Mwaura, the journey is far from over—but every match, every training session, and every life changed is a victory in itself.
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