Play it Forward

Overview

Play it Forward is a UK-registered charity and a non-governmental organisation in Zambia, dedicated to empowering young people through football and community development projects. The charity was founded in 2017 and is focused primarily on the Southern Province of Zambia, an area challenged by high poverty levels and limited access to education.

Mission and Activities

The charity uses football as a tool to inspire and empower young people, particularly in rural areas. Their activities are designed to promote holistic development across three key areas: education, health and wellbeing, and employment. Play it Forward supports rural community schools, implements water and sanitation projects, and provides health-related initiatives. These efforts aim to break cycles of poverty, improve health outcomes, and enhance educational prospects for children in Zambia.

Impact

By engaging young people in football and other activities, Play it Forward helps break down gender stereotypes and delivers sexual health programs. Additionally, the charity provides daily nutrition and mentoring, which significantly improve children's prospects and help them become positive contributors to their communities.

Governance and Operations

As of its latest reporting period, Play it Forward had a total income of approximately £213,856 and expended £203,305 on its programs. The charity has seven trustees and twelve volunteers, with no employee benefits exceeding £60,000. Trustees do not receive any remuneration from the charity. Play it Forward operates without trading subsidiaries and adheres to UK charity regulations, maintaining up-to-date reporting.

Recognition and Affiliations

In recent years, Play it Forward has achieved significant milestones, including a change in direction and the promotion of its women's football team. The charity also became a member of Common Goal, an initiative that supports football-based community programs worldwide.

[1] https://play-itforward.org/about-us/ [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5115323/charity-overview [3] https://play-itforward.org/donate/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/playitforwardzm/ [5] https://www.sportanddev.org/network/organisation-directory/play-it-forward-0