Inspire Africa Connect Uses Soccer to Strengthens Bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany

31^st January 2023 was a great day in Kenya, in East Africa, and of course, in Africa. Inspire Africa Connect launched one of the best sports initiative in Kenya witnessing the rebirth of Soccer, and especially German Soccer on the continent.

The drive and passion behind this dates back to 3 to 4 decades ago. During the glory days of African soccer, when the German squads were feared, when the kids selected nicknames like Gard Muller, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and others; and when African sports commentators never stopped screaming “Gor Mahia” as they made their marks on the African soccer field.

In a statement issued by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto on the 12^th December 2022, “Arrangements are in place to form a bottom-up football tournament. This is the first step in our football vision 2030 where we will target our Harambee Stars to play in the 2030 World Cup.” Inspire Africa Connect & Schachter Sports of Germany has teamed up to help in developing at least 50 coaches and 600+ kids in the game of soccer in Kenya. This is an effort to provide more opportunities for the youth, through training camps and exchange programs.

Inspire Africa Connect will provide opportunities for kids from 8-18 years, and for the coaches that will mentor them; the organisation will also provide opportunities for the coaches to improve and develop to bigger positions within the FIFA structure.

“If we are lucky, we might develop the next Sadio Mane or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Kenya” said Mr. Yinka Abioye Chairman of Inspire Africa Connect. This is an opportunity to eventually improve Kenya’s standing on the FIFA ranking list and help develop the opportunities within soccer in the country.

Starting with 12 coaches virtual training today from 4 Clubs in Kenya, there will be a series of both virtual and physical sessions for the coaches, as well as various physical sessions for the kids. Exposing the youth from the underprivileged communities to lifetime opportunities. This might even see some of our developmental kids participate in the upcoming camp in Arusha during FESTAC AFRICA 2023 on May 22-28th, in Arusha, Tanzania.

The company appreciates the support of the German Embassy in Kenya, under the leadership of Ambassador Sebastian Groth. In partnership with Schächter Sports, Bundesliga, 1. FSV Mainz 05, Topps, a greater appreciation was extended to the Kenya Soccer clubs who have shown interest to participate in this Youth Empowerment program and willing to learn and in-return share the same knowledge with their kids. These clubs include: Mainstream Sports Academy, Young Achievers 009, Santos Soka Academy and Laini Saba Coffee Ministry.

Special thanks also extended to the Germany Coach coach Markus Becker, representing 1. FSV Mainz 05 on this virtual training kick off session for coaches. There will be some field training exercise to compliment and put into practice what the coaches have learnt, as well as opportunities to share some of the skills with the kids. We ask that everyone involved should take good advantage of these sessions as sky is the limit.

As Kenya & Germany Bilateral relations turn 60 this year, we call on members of both chambers of commerce on both sides of Kenya & Germany to participate and support this initiative. The Inspire Africa Connect motto is connecting people and bringing opportunities to the continent especially for our youth.

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