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About WorldCoaches

We leverage the social and community strength of football to improve the living environment of children in low- and middle-income countries.

WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.

During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.

WorldCoaches in 2 minutes.

Since 1997, we have trained over 18,000 WorldCoaches and reached more than 580,000 children. Although prospective WorldCoaches are often already football trainers, PE teachers or volunteers within the sports sector, anyone with a passion for football and a drive to help local youth can become a WorldCoach.

Martha Karimi – Local WorldCoaches instructor from Kenya.

"As a WorldCoach you must be aware that you are in charge of changing people’s lives. That’s a big responsibility but also a great opportunity. As an instructor we set the example and influence our coaches. This leads to a ‘snowball effect’: if you can change one coach, you can change a thousand kids."
Martha Karimi – Local WorldCoaches instructor in Kenya.

Safe spaces

Football arenas are safe spaces where people from different cultural backgrounds can meet and interact. They are also spaces where players can work on their personal development with the support of well-trained coaches who act as role models. In this role, WorldCoaches are trained to create safe spaces for their players, where they build strong relationships and as such, are able to offer guidance that transcends the football pitch.

Piet de Jong – WorldCoaches instructor.

"To help children develop the ability to make their own choices, WorldCoaches confront them with real-life situations through football exercises where they need to make choices. This developmental process can be facilitated by starting with simple situations and moving to more complex ones."
Piet de Jong – WorldCoaches instructor.

Ambassadors

Sometimes, the instructors are accompanied by our ambassadors. These are football legends - former international players from the Netherlands and abroad - who support the WorldCoaches programme. The presence of these ambassadors inspires both coaches, children and community members alike. It also helps to raise awareness for the programme and the important work that the WorldCoaches conduct all over the world.

WorldCoaches ambassador Johan Neeskens in Colombia.