The ABILITY SPORTS JUNIOR PREMIER LEAGUE was launch in 2021, aimed at developing talents for children age 8-14 years in football, This is an open league were boys and girls with or without disabilities are registered to participate on a weekend based competition. The league has slots for fourteen teams named by colors, This is a small sided football game called seven’s (7v7 ).
The ASA Junior Premier League is a grassroots football initiative that brings together 300 children from northern Uganda to play football. Despite 70% of players competing without boots, their passion and dedication shine through. With support from Opiyo Technology UK, Just Jersey Int, USA, parents, and community members, since 2021 to date we provide a platform for these young athletes to thrive. Our year-round league caters to children in the U8, U10, U13, and U16 age groups, with both boys’ and girls’ teams.
Beyond the pitch, we offer vital life skills training, including: Hygiene and Sanitation, Sexual Reproductive Health, Mental Health Awareness, social inclusion, and Football Career Guidance and Counseling.
Our goal is to empower the next generation of footballers and community leaders. By harnessing the power of sports, we can drive positive change and create a brighter future for these young athletes. You can support this project by donating towards, sports outreach, balls, Uniforms and football boots.
The purpose of this league is to promote talent development, gender equality, create a social inclusion platform for young children with and without disabilities, active involvement of Deaf children, improve on physical and mental health development due to the impact of COVID-19, to help children with hearing impairment gain their lost self-esteem and confidence and lastly a big avenue for cooperate social responsibilities to the community we serve.
Through this league ASA managed to reach out to over 1000 children and youth with disabilities in Gulu District, the impact of this event is seen on their attitude change towards disability, increase social networking,
The overall goal.
To create a platform for children and youth with and without disabilities to interact and socialize through season based football competition
Problem Statement:-
Due to the covid-19 outbreak many children did not get the opportunity to engage in sports this has affected their physical and mental health development.
- Children with and without disabilities are less likely to participate in sports and therefore less likely to be physically and mentally strong.
- There is a stigma towards vulnerable children for example Disabled children, Orphans, children living on the street and the so called Aguu they are often ostracized and excluded the right to socialize and play with others.
- Due to the prolong lock down and closer of sporting activities many children suffered from low self-esteem and self-confidence which is worrying for the
- Children and youth with disabilities especially those with hearing impairment do not have equal access to sport, recreation and culture
