Building dreams through football: Shauri Moyo United's impact on local youth

Dennis Maina, the coach of Shauri Moyo United, has a big dream: to see the children he trains play in professional leagues, both in Kenya and worldwide. This vision fuels his daily efforts and keeps him motivated.

Thanks to their hard work, the team has moved up to the regional league, marking a significant milestone for them.

To provide a secure environment where children can discover their talents, Maina and his team organise football tournaments and leagues, particularly during school holidays. These events keep children occupied and actively engaged, allowing them to channel their energy into something positive while honing their skills on the field.

"We have both junior and senior players and many of the seniors are in secondary school and use this time to show off their skills. We've also started a junior team for children aged five to 13, allowing them to find out what they can do," says Maina.

This initiative not only helps children develop their football skills but also gives them a structured way to stay active and work together as a team. Many of these children come from tough backgrounds, and Maina knows just how much sports can change lives. He sees football as more than just a game; it's a way to open doors for a better future.

A huge part of the programme's success comes from support from local leaders, such as Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan. Thanks to his help, the Kamukunji ground has been renovated into a welcoming space for children, including girls — a significant change from the past.

"With the new level field, we've seen more children attending parents feel more comfortable knowing their children are active and engaged in something positive. They can easily keep an eye on their children while they play," Maina says.

Shauri Moyo United coach Dennis Maina. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

In a community where many children are raised by single mothers, programmes like the one run by Shauri Moyo United provide not just a safe environment but also peace of mind for parents.

Maina emphasises the importance of starting youth football early to build skills that help them grow. However, he does face some challenges, like a shortage of equipment — especially the right-sized balls for younger players and proper kits. Despite these hurdles, Maina remains hopeful about what lies ahead.

Positive activities

"Shauri Moyo used to be known for crime, but that's changed. Children aren't just sitting around anymore; drug use has gone down because they're engaged in positive activities. Most of our participants come from the community," says Maina.

This shift shows that the programme is genuinely making a difference in the lives of local youth.

With various categories of senior teams, junior teams, and now a league for younger children, Shauri Moyo United caters to a wide range of participants.

Maina says most of the players are still in school, emphasising the importance of giving these children opportunities to grow both on and off the field.

In addition to training, Maina believes in the power of role models.

"We try to set high standards and instil values in our children. We show them examples of people who have made it through hard work. For example, we have a player currently in the USA who came from our programme. His success inspires the youth, showing them that achieving their dreams is possible," he says.

During school holidays, many parents worry about their children getting into trouble. However, the youth tournaments organised by Shauri Moyo United provide a crucial alternative. These events offer structured activities that keep teenagers engaged and active, steering them away from negative influences like drugs and crime. Parents can breathe a little easier knowing their children are participating in something constructive.

Sabina Gicuku, a coach with 12 years of experience, shares Maina's commitment to nurturing talent. Her journey began on a field in Majengo, and now she takes joy in inspiring young girls and boys in Shauri Moyo.

"One of my goals is to uplift girls in this area. We saw the need to include them in our team, giving them the same opportunities as the boys," Gicuku says.

Sabina Gicuku, a coach with 12 years of experience. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Gicuku's own experience as a female athlete adds a unique perspective to her coaching.

"My parents never wanted me to play football; they thought it was just for boys. But I didn't give up, and through football, I've changed my life. I can pay my bills and educate my children now. I encourage parents to let their daughters explore their talents on the field."

As a female coach, Gicuku faces challenges like discrimination and the belief that football isn't appropriate for girls.

"Football can be a great way to earn money, especially for women, which is why I'm here — to train these girls. We want to create opportunities for them to thrive. My presence helps create a safe space and reassures parents that their children are in good hands," she says.

Shaping young athletes

Through her dedication, Gicuku is shaping the future for young athletes and challenging stereotypes about women in sports.

"Many girls tell me they want to be like me because of the freedom and opportunities that come with being involved in football," she notes, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and showing that girls can be just as good as their male counterparts.

Augustine Onyango, the chairperson of Shauri Moyo United, shares the same enthusiasm as Maina and Gicuku, highlighting the vital role the programme plays for children, especially those from single-parent families.

"Parents appreciate being able to bring their children to the field. It allows them to work while knowing their children are safe," he explains.

Onyango points out the increased participation due to the renovations, which have attracted more children who now have better facilities like new jerseys and sports equipment.

"We're hopeful that we can nurture children who may one day play in major leagues worldwide, which would be a significant achievement for us," he says.

One of the reasons for launching the junior tournament was to engage children and reduce road accidents, especially since younger children now participate.

"Any parent interested in having their child join the team can reach out to us through our social media pages or visit our offices," Onyango says. "Parents are our biggest supporters; their involvement truly inspires us since this is a community project."

According to the Women's Sports Foundation, by the age of 14, many girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys.