Football enthusiasm in Tanzania

The Kick for Life Foundation, an initiative brought to life by Carsten and Matias, is a shining example of how football can connect cultures and trigger sustainable developments. In the second episode of the CoachingArea Podcast "The Future of Goalkeeping & Footballing Maasai - with Kick for Life" founder Carsten shares his experiences and the profound impact of their work in the Maasai region of Tanzania and more recently in Kenya.

From Idea to Reality

Carsten, whose career includes active playing time as a goalkeeper and years of coaching, founded the Kick for Life Foundation as his passion project. His passion and experiences from his travels, particularly a defining encounter with the organisation Africa Amini Alama, inspired him to utilise his experiences and football’s potential to give back to one of the poorest parts of the world. The encounter with the need and simultaneously the lack of infrastructure in Tanzania motivated Carsten and Matias to take action. The pivotal moment came when Carsten's sister-in-law, through her travels and involvement with Africa Amini Alama, ignited the spark. The area around Kilimanjaro, home to the Maasai, a nomadic people living from agriculture and livestock farming, became the focus of their efforts.

Creating Sporting Infrastructure

The foundation raised an impressive 35,000 euros in five months to build not only a football pitch but also volleyball and basketball courts. This development introduced sports to a region that previously had little access to such facilities. The construction of the first football pitch, a simple sand area with metal goals, marked a significant step for the community. The newly created football pitch quickly became the social centre of the region, bringing together people of all ages and professions. This pitch became a symbol of community and joy.

Sustainable Impact

The work of the Kick for Life Foundation extends beyond sport. As of the recording of the podcast (05/2024), a total of €120,000 in donation funds had been collected. They support the construction of schools, wells, hospitals, and much more to sustainably improve the quality of life for the Maasai and people in Kenya. They also promote education and offer new perspectives to children and youths.

How You Can Help

CoachingArea encourages donations to continue funding their projects. Information and ways to support can be found on their website and via their Instagram channel.

Here is the direct link to the donation page.

The Kick for Life Foundation is an outstanding example of how sport, particularly football, as a universal language, can build bridges and effect sustainable changes in communities. Their work in Tanzania powerfully shows how a simple idea can evolve into a movement that significantly enhances the lives of many people.