President and CEO of grassroots soccer (GRS) and Bantu Rovers Football Club, Methembe Ndlovu runs sports HIV prevention programmes in several countries in Africa and beyond.
In an interview, Ndlovu said sports- based HIV programmes are recognized as an effective means of empowering young people to live healthier.
He said soccer is a common denominator that brings girls, boys, parents, professionals, labourers and leaders together.
Ndlovu said GRS uses the universal language of soccer to break taboos and stigma associated with AIDS.
This will help build trust, turn complex information into simple ideas, and make learning fun, he said.
‘’ Through a series of interactive activities and discussions, participants gain a tangible understanding of HIV and AIDS, and practice the skills necessary for sustainable behavioural change.
‘’GRS takes a bold and fresh approach to HIV that focuses on impact and results.
We have a great formula that embraces soccer and HIV positive role models.
We are constantly testing new, innovative approaches that can build on their tremendous success’’, said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu added that role models have a unique power to influence youths to listen and emulate their heroes, professionals players and community role models such as HIV educators and advocates in their communities.
The soccer Academy fosters community involvement through youth outreach, long term partnerships and special events such as voluntary counseling and testing soccer tournaments.
‘’The soccer academy which has 70 000 students started in 2002 and officially registered as a non- govervemental organisation’’, he said.
He said the programme targets age 11-13 by using soccer- based activities and discussions to develop positive skills that help the children adopt healthy behaviours and a comprehensive knowledge of the pandemic.
‘’We have a programme particularly for girls 11- 18 years, that combines soccer with sexual and reproductive health knowledge, HIV counseling and testing, life skills and access to community services’’, he explained.
‘’Female coaches empower young women to avoid risky behaviour and protect themselves from gender based violence, multiple partners, age disparate relationships and alcohol abuse’’.
Ndlovu added that the academy is funded by key partners who include corporate, private foundations and individuals’ donors.
The programme is funded by Arsenal Foundations and Elton John Foundations.
Meanwhile, Ndlovu is engaging partners across Zimbabwe in designing and implementing culturally relevant and evidence- based programmes tailored to local contexts.
