WorldCoaches: Our approach

WorldCoaches are most successful in three development goals: they contribute to personal development, health, and social cohesion. - Foto: KNVB Media

Football is an effective instrument to teach life skills to children in a playful manner and raise awareness of its importance. Additionally, football activities can be used to spread social messages and WorldCoaches can become role models in their own communities.

In our work, we learned that our WorldCoaches are most successful in three development goals: they contribute to personal development, health, and social cohesion. Through the different projects, WorldCoaches directly contribute to the SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals). These are goals set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

Personal Development

We define personal development as the empowerment of children and youth. The WorldCoaches provide a safe and inclusive environment for both boys and girls, where they

stimulate learning and self-confidence. These activities contribute directly to quality education (SDG-4) and decent work and economic growth (SDG-8).

Health

Sport is essential to the healthy development of children and youth. The enthusiasm of the WorldCoaches is contagious, and thanks to their guidance, children learn healthy habits while playing sports. Additionally, sport has proven to lower the risk of diseases. This theme contributes to a better health and well-being (SDG-3).

Social Cohesion

When we play, we meet as equals. The WorldCoaches embrace diversity and purposefully invite and team up children who would not typically seek each other out. Within the team, children practice important life skills that support positive interaction, such as empathy and communication. Here, the WorldCoaches programme focuses specifically on stimulating gender equality (SDG-5) and involving disadvantaged groups with the aim of reducing inequalities (SDG-10).