Kick4Peace Hosts a Successful One-Day Tournament at Mogadishu Stadium
Kick4Peace is proud to announce the successful completion of a highly impactful one-day football tournament held at the iconic Mogadishu Stadium. This exciting event brought together eight youth football clubs from across the city for a full day of competition, connection, and community celebration. The tournament was a vibrant demonstration of our unwavering commitment to empowering Somali youth through the unifying power of sport.
The stadium was filled with energy and enthusiasm as young athletes, families, local leaders, and passionate supporters gathered to witness a day that was about far more than just football. This tournament served as a platform for encouraging positive youth development, fostering a spirit of teamwork, and most importantly, promoting peace through sport.
Why Football? Why Now?
In a country where young people make up the majority of the population, investing in youth is investing in the future. Football, the world’s most popular sport, transcends language, politics, and background. It speaks directly to the hearts of young people, teaching them about discipline, collaboration, respect, and resilience.
Kick4Peace believes that football can be a powerful vehicle for social change. Through initiatives like this tournament, we aim to provide safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where young people can thrive, build confidence, and discover their potential.
Event Overview and Structure
The one-day tournament featured eight youth clubs divided into competitive matchups, with games running throughout the day. Each match was filled with excitement and showcased not only athletic ability but also the values we strive to promote: fair play, respect, leadership, and teamwork.
Trained referees, coaches, and volunteers ensured that every match was conducted professionally and safely. Young athletes were given a platform to express themselves, compete with pride, and build friendships that cross neighborhoods and backgrounds.
The event also included brief speeches from local youth leaders and community members, as well as small workshops on leadership and sportsmanship in between games. These intermissions offered an opportunity for learning, reflection, and celebration.
Key Highlights of the Day
⚽ High-Level Competition:
Each game was full of energy, with players giving their best performance on the field. The level of talent and dedication was truly inspiring.
🏆 Awards and Recognition:
Special awards were given to standout players for categories including Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Fair Play Champion. These awards not only recognized athletic excellence but also highlighted integrity and character.
👥 Massive Community Support:
Hundreds of spectators, including families, educators, and youth supporters, turned out to support their teams. The cheering crowds created an electrifying atmosphere that encouraged players and built community spirit.
🤝 Unity and Inclusion:
Teams from different areas of the city came together peacefully, proving once again that sport can break down barriers and bring people closer.
🎤 Voices of Youth:
Several young players and volunteers shared their stories and experiences with the crowd, speaking about how football has changed their lives and helped them find purpose and direction.
The Impact
This tournament is more than a single day of football — it is part of a larger, long-term vision. At Kick4Peace, we are building a movement that sees sport as a tool for education, healing, and transformation. The event made a lasting impression on everyone involved, reminding us that when youth are given the chance to shine, they rise beyond expectations.
We are committed to continuing this work by organizing more events, expanding to new communities, and partnering with schools, youth organizations, and local leaders to ensure that young people everywhere have access to opportunities that help them succeed.
Testimonials
“Today was not just about winning or losing. It was about coming together and proving that we can build peace through sport.”
— Youth Player, age 12
“We saw leadership, teamwork, and respect on the field. These are the values we want our youth to carry into their future.”
— Local Coach and Community Leader
“This tournament gave our youth hope and reminded them that they are seen, supported, and capable of great things.”
— Parent and Spectator
Looking Ahead
This event marks just one step in a much broader journey. Kick4Peace is dedicated to continuing its efforts across Somalia and beyond, ensuring that young people have platforms to grow, express themselves, and lead. Through regular training sessions, leadership development, mentorship programs, and more tournaments, we are laying the groundwork for a more peaceful, inclusive, and youth-driven future.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this tournament possible:
The eight incredible youth clubs who participated with passion and purpose
The dedicated volunteers who gave their time and energy
Our referees and coaches who upheld fairness and safety
The community members and families who came out to support
Our partners and sponsors who continue to believe in the power of youth
👏 Thank you all. Your support turns vision into reality.
Join the Movement
Kick4Peace is always looking for new partners, supporters, and volunteers who want to make a difference. Whether you are a coach, an educator, a youth leader, or a football fan, there’s a place for you in our growing community.
🌍 Together, let’s keep kicking for peace
