By Alex Maina
Football is loved by many young people in our county. Every day, you will see them training in small fields, some with bare feet, some sharing worn-out balls but all full of hope. Teams like L. Hearts in Kiplombe Ward are registered in leagues, but they still struggle with basic needs.
During a recent community meeting, William, the captain of L. Hearts, stood up and spoke for many. “We don’t have enough balls or kits. Even cones and training beeps are missing. If we could just get two balls, we would train better and grow our skills.”
The Area MP, Madam Janet in attendance at the meeting replied by saying she can only help at will, because the responsibility of supporting football lies with the County Government through the MCA’s office.
Coach Ochieng from the team Maza, also spoke about how hard it is to keep going.
“We borrow a ball from other teams. It’s old, but it’s all we have. Now think about a team that trains with 20 balls and cones. Then think about us with just one ball. Who will improve faster?”
That is the reality many teams face. The players are ready, the coaches are ready but the support is not there.
The Constitution of Kenya (Fourth Schedule, Part 2) gives the County Government the job of supporting sports and culture. That means they should:
Give teams balls, kits, and training items.
Build and maintain training grounds.
Organize tournaments to expose talent.
Provide donations and support to grassroots teams.
Train coaches and hold football clinics.
These are not very big demands. Just a small help can go a long way. Football is not just a game it can help young people earn a living. Just the other day, we saw Harambee Stars players being rewarded with millions. That shows the opportunity in football. With the right support, many young people can stay away from crime and build a better future. The talent is here. The teams are ready. The only thing missing is support. It’s time the County Government listened and acted.
