Empowering Coaches to Champion Positive Masculinity

By Mwanakombo Hassan

A football coach can influence dozens of young people every week. But what happens when that coach is also equipped to challenge harmful gender norms, prevent violence, promote healthy relationships, and guide boys to become champions for equality?

From 27–29 May 2026, Moving the Goalposts (MTG) brought together nine male coaches across communities in Kulesa, Wema, Hewani, and Vumbwe, Tana River County for a three-day Young Men as Equal Partners (YMEP) residential training in Garsen. While football was the common thread that brought them together, the training was about much more than the game itself. It focused on strengthening the coaches’ ability to mentor young people, promote positive masculinity, advance gender equality, and encourage boys and young men to respect and protect the rights of others, especially adolescent girls and young women.

The coaches participated in practical football drills, group discussions, case studies, role plays, and peer-learning sessions that connected life skills with sport. Together, they explored topics on gender equality, self-awareness, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Sexual Offences Act, drug abuse, power relations, and positive masculinity. Sessions were facilitated by Samuel Peter- Male Engagement support staff, Gladys Jillo-healthcare professional, Yelina Baboyaso-Gender Officer and Michael M Nzioki- Deputy OCS, Garsen Police Station.

The impact of the training was evident in the participants’ growth. Post-training survey results showed a significant increase in knowledge, with scores rising from 3.25 to 4.87, while attitudes towards gender equality improved from 3.73 to 4.62. More importantly, every participant committed to taking action by sharing SRHR and GBV information, supporting survivors, reporting GBV cases, and promoting gender equality within their communities.

Beyond learning new coaching techniques, the participants left with a deeper understanding of the influence they hold as mentors, role models, and community leaders. They strengthened their facilitation and leadership skills, learned practical tools such as the “Take 5” wellbeing approach, and gained greater awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and the legal issues that affect young people.

 “Understanding the law and issues like consent has given me confidence to guide young boys on making the right decisions and being responsible men in society and I will use the skills gained here to create a safe space for young players where they can speak openly and learn values beyond football.” Said Soye, one of the participating coaches.

The training comes at a time when many communities continue to grapple with challenges such as gender-based violence, harmful social norms, and limited access to information on sexual and reproductive health. By investing in local coaches, MTG is helping create a network of male role models who can influence boys and young men to make positive choices, stand against harmful practices, and contribute to safer and more inclusive communities.

As the coaches return to their teams, football pitches, and communities, they carry more than drills and coaching techniques. They carry new knowledge, renewed purpose, and a commitment to helping shape a generation of boys and young men who see equality, respect, and responsibility not as ideals, but as everyday values.

Change doesn’t start in a boardroom. It starts on the football pitch. Together, let’s equip more coaches, inspire more boys, and create communities where respect, equality, and opportunity are a reality for everyone especially adolescent girls and young women.