Girls Take the Field as MTG Launches 2026 Grassroots League in Ganze

Nearly 9,000 girls join community football program that combines sport, leadership training and life skills education across Kenya’s Coast region.

By Mwanakombo Hassan

A Powerful Beginning in Ganze

Hundreds of girls took to the pitch at Petanguo League Field in Ganze on Saturday as Moving the Goalposts (MTG) officially launched the 2026 MTG Grassroots League, signaling the start of another season of football, leadership and opportunity for young women across the Coast region.

The colourful launch brought together community leaders, parents and young players in a celebration of sport and empowerment. This year, 8,867 girls have registered to participate in the league, with 477 teams expected to compete across different age categories throughout the season.

More Than a Game

Founded in 2001, Moving the Goalposts has grown into one of the region’s leading community sports programs, using football as a platform to empower girls and young women in Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Tana River counties. Through sport, the organization promotes gender equality, leadership development and safe community spaces where girls can grow both on and off the field.

Talent, Teamwork, and Determination

The opening matches immediately set the tone for the season, with teams showcasing impressive talent and determination.

Opening Match Results

Under 10: Lion 0 – 1 Manchester
Under 13: Arsenal 0 – 0 Super Star
Open Age: Bright Star 2 – 0 Super Stars

Manchester (Under 10) and Bright Star (Open Age) were recognized for their victories and awarded by Ganze Area MCA Karisa Ngirani, who praised the girls’ performance during the first fixtures.

Football Meets Climate Action

Beyond the excitement of the matches, the launch also highlighted MTG’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Parents, guests and players joined a tree planting exercise, reinforcing the importance of protecting the environment and safeguarding community play spaces.

About 700 parents attended the event, demonstrating growing community support for girls’ participation in sports.

Assistant Environmental Officer Harriet Simwa urged residents to take climate action.

“Cutting down trees to make charcoal and firewood for sale is one of the reasons for drought in Ganze Sub-county. I urge everyone, especially parents, to plant trees and take care of them so that in the future the area can have more trees and a healthier environment.”

A Community Investing in Its Girls

Ganze Assistant County Commissioner Francis Ng’ang’a also applauded the initiative, noting that empowering girls through sport strengthens entire communities.

“Using football as a tool to empower girls is strategic because empowering a girl is like empowering the community. This program gives girls and young women an opportunity to grow and gain important leadership qualities.”

Parents echoed similar sentiments, crediting the program with improving the lives of their daughters.

“MTG has really helped our girls in many ways, including educating them through peer education which has reduced teenage pregnancies. The girls are well behaved and the organisation has helped nurture their talents,” said Gladys Mwangi, a parent whose daughter participates in the program.

Beyond the Pitch: Building Knowledge and Confidence

Beyond football matches, the MTG program integrates education and mentorship. Each participant receives 17 hours of age appropriate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education, equipping girls with knowledge about reproductive health, personal safety, decision making and mental wellbeing.

On the pitch, the girls also gain significant playing and training experience throughout the season. Under 10 and Under 13 players accumulate about 17 hours of play, while open age players take part in approximately 22 hours and 40 minutes of competitive matches. Each participant also receives about 22 hours and 40 minutes of practice sessions, strengthening football skills, teamwork and confidence.

Teams that qualify for the program’s Champions League pathway gain additional match experience, with younger players participating in up to four more hours of competition and open age players adding more than five hours of extra play.

MTG leadership says the program will continue expanding opportunities for girls beyond the field.

Building Future Leaders in Sport

MTG continues to intentionally build leadership pathways for girls beyond playing.

Executive Director Dorcas Amakobe announced that the organization plans to train 400 girls in leadership roles this year, including referees, coaches and peer educators.

“Apart from playing in the grassroots leagues, we want girls to take up leadership positions within the program,” Amakobe said. “Over the next five years we also plan to construct a sports facility in Kilifi County where girls and youth will have safe spaces to develop their talents in football, volleyball and other sports.”

Dreams Taking Shape

Some participants are already pursuing those leadership dreams.

Jackline Kai, a young referee trained through the program, said she hopes to officiate international matches one day.

“My dream is to become an international referee and officiate big matches, even matches where men play. I love being a referee because I want to nurture this talent,” she said.

Collective Action, Shared Impact

The launch also saw partners and community stakeholders participate in a fundraising drive to support girls who could not afford the registration fee. A total of KSh 1,948 was raised, helping to cover the registration fees of 388 girls from Ganze Division.

MTG Education and Livelihood Officer Harriet Dama thanked partners and community members for their support.

“I appreciate every partner and stakeholder who contributed to the fundraising for girls’ registration. This shows that when we work together we can ensure that more girls benefit from the program.”

Looking Ahead

The 2026 MTG Grassroots League aims to reach nearly 9,000 girls across coastal communities, providing opportunities not only as players but also as referees, coaches, peer educators and future community leaders.

Among the dignitaries who attended the launch were Area MCA Karisa Ngirani, Assistant County Commissioner Francis Ng’ang’a, Assistant Environmental Officer Harriet Simwa, Sub County Administrator Shadrack Katana, alongside parents, community leaders and supporters of girls’ sports.

As the whistle blew to kick off the season in Ganze, one message rang clear: the future of football and leadership is increasingly female.