Empowering Girls and Boys in Africa Through the Power of Sport
At Luyando Foundation, we nurture the dreams and talents of young people, providing safe spaces to grow, learn, and thrive
At Luyando Foundation, we believe in the potential of every young person. Our Sports Academy uses football as a tool to build leadership, teamwork, and confidence among youth in Lusaka’s underserved communities.
Through structured training, mentorship, and opportunity, we help young people rise on and off the field. They develop not only athletic talent but essential life skills: decision-making, health awareness, discipline, and goal setting.
The Luyando Foundation Sports Academy was coined and created in 2009 by Mr. Chisenga M. Bernard, a dedicated coordinator of the Luyando Foundation. His vision was to use sport as a powerful tool for youth empowerment in underserved communities. What began as a grassroots effort to engage young people through football has grown into a recognized academy, proudly selected as one of 13 sports academies in Zambia endorsed by FIFA, through the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
The academy not only nurtures promising athletes it also instills life skills, values, and healthy decision-making that help youth stay focused, build discipline, and avoid harmful influences.
Mr. Chisenga M. Bernard (far right) founder of the Luyando Sports Academy, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for empowering youth through football and leadership.
Our Vision
We empower Africa’s next generation of girls and boys by providing equal access to sports, education, and life skills training. Through football and other sporting activities, we foster teamwork, discipline, and a sense of belonging and building resilience for a better future.
⚽ Our Programmes
At the Luyando Foundation Sports Academy, we offer:
- Football Training: Sessions coached by experienced volunteers.
- Girls’ Empowerment Teams: Special focus on nurturing confident, skilled female athletes.
- Life Skills Workshops: Health education, leadership, and self-esteem building.
- Community Matches & Tournaments: Safe, inclusive events to compete and celebrate together.
🌟 Why It Matters
Far too many girls and boys in Africa lack safe spaces and opportunities to play, learn, and grow. By investing in sports, we break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and open doors for future leaders one goal at a time.
💡Gender Equality
We champion equal access for girls and boys, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. By uniting youth through sport, we foster safer, more connected communities where collaboration replaces conflict
💡 Community Peacebuilding
By bringing youth together through sport, we help create safer, more united communities where collaboration replaces conflict.
Why Sports?
At Luyando Foundation, we see sport especially football as more than a game. It is a platform to nurture young minds, build character, and inspire ambition. In communities where opportunities are limited, the football field becomes a space for learning, discipline, and belonging.
Through regular training, teamwork, and mentorship, our young players develop vital life skills:
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Confidence to lead both on and off the pitch
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Teamwork to collaborate, support, and solve problems
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Resilience to handle setbacks and keep striving
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Discipline to stay focused and set long-term goals
Sports also open pathways for future careers not only in athletics, but in coaching, education, health, and leadership. For many of our girls and boys, joining the Sports Academy is their first step toward imagining and building a different future.
We believe that when youth are empowered to lead, they can transform not only their own lives but their communities too.
Get Involved
Together, we can build brighter futures for girls and boys through sport.
Your support whether through donations, sponsorship, or volunteering helps us provide training, equipment, transport, and safe spaces for our young players to grow.
How You Can Help
👉 Sponsor a Match
A typical away match costs about K21,900 (approx. €750–€800) for transport, food, lodging, and essentials.
👉 Support a Home Game
Help cover referee fees, security, and local transport — approximately K6,000–K10,000 (approx. €200–€350) per game.
👉 Donate Equipment
A complete kit for one young player — boots, jersey, shorts, and socks — costs about K500–K1,000 (approx. €20–€40) per child.
👉 Volunteer Your Skills
Coaches, mentors, youth leaders, and supporters are always welcome.
Every contribution, big or small, helps our young players take one more step towards a brighter future. One team. One goal. One community.
“Over 100% of our young players are girls from underserved communities proving that sport can open doors where none existed before”
Our Quote
“When a girl kicks a ball for the first time, she is kicking down barriers that have held her back for generations.” Luyando Foundation
Sport is more than a game, it is a powerful tool to uplift communities and shape future leaders.
Join Us
Supporting Luyando Foundation Sports Academy for Girls and Boys!
Join us at Luyando Foundation as we empower the youths to create a brighter tomorrow through sports, education, and leadership. Together, we can make a lasting positive impact on their lives and the world.
Join Now
At Luyando Foundation Sports Academy for Girls and Boys: We incorporate the following activities:
Youth Leadership Training:
Our youths from the age of 12 and above receive training in leadership, planning, and management through our youth peer leader groups. These peer leaders play an integral role in running our day-to-day activities and contribute to the positive impact we make in the community.
Take Me Back School Connection Program:
We support athletes who face financial barriers to education through the “Take Me Back to School” program. By connecting them to schools that sponsor or support athletes through sports, we provide hope and opportunities for young individuals to complete their education.
Child Protection: Luyando Foundation prioritizes child protection and ensures that all leaders and volunteers are trained to handle child abuse cases, making our environment safe and secure for every participant.
Youth Reproductive Health: Through our education programs, health workers from Kanyama Level 1 Hospital, in collaboration with different organizations, provide training in reproductive health to our youth participants.
Social and Financial Education: Our social and financial education program targets women, girls, and boys, equipping them with essential knowledge on rights, responsibilities, personal finance, and business ideas. This program aims to empower them to make informed decisions for their future.
Miscellaneous Women and Youth Activities:
At Luyando Foundation, we also support various clubs and groups, including music, drama, education and sports tour, and computer clubs. These activities serve as creative outlets and opportunities for skill development and community engagement.
Join us at Luyando Foundation as we empower the youths to create a brighter tomorrow through sports, education, and leadership. Together, we can make a lasting positive impact on their lives and the world.
