When we launched one of our initiatives; Proactive Legends, our vision was simple but bold: to use sport as a bridge; connecting young people, communities, and opportunities, while intentionally advancing women’s participation and leadership in sports.
Our journey began in Malindi in Coastal region of Kenya, where we hosted our very first Beach Soccer Festival. It was there that we saw how the game could spark curiosity, confidence, and community ownership. Since then, regional outreach has become a core part of Proactive Legends initiative, allowing us to take the game and its values beyond county borders.
From 17th to 20th December 2025, that journey led us to Kisumu County, where we proudly supported the second edition of the Kisumu Beach Soccer Festival, hosted by Oray Football Academy in Seme.
For many participants, coaches, and referees, beach soccer was a new experience. Before the first whistle blew, we created space for learning. Through interactive workshops, we introduced players and referees to the basics of beach soccer such as the rules of the game, safety considerations, fair play, and the unique skills required to compete on sand. These sessions were not only about technical knowledge, but about confidence, preparedness, and ensuring everyone felt included in the game.
Beyond the pitch, mentorship remained at the heart of the festival. Through peer-led mentorship sessions, we intentionally amplified the voices of young women in sport, creating safe spaces for sharing experiences, building leadership skills, and encouraging participation both on and off the field. Senior mentors and peer mentors from Butere walked alongside participants, reinforcing lessons on resilience, teamwork, and life beyond the scoreboard.
Our commitment to environmental action was also woven into the festival. Together with participants and community members, we planted trees as a symbol of responsibility, reminding ourselves that as we grow sport, we must also care for the environment that sustains our communities.
We are deeply grateful to Oray Football Academy for hosting the festival and for establishing a beach soccer pitch in Kisumu County—an important investment in growing the game and expanding access for young people. Vivian Oray, founder of the academy, shared her excitement:
“Beach soccer is more than a game, it’s a platform for skill, passion, and community. I play for a team in the USA, and I am thrilled to bring the love for this sport back home to Kenya. Together, we can advance beach soccer and create opportunities for young players, especially women, to shine.”
From our side, Janet Motah, co-founder of Tuungane CBO and sport-for-development ambassador, added:
“Mentorship is key to empowering young people. Festivals like this allow us to build confidence, leadership, and resilience, while showing that sport can open doors far beyond the pitch. Every young woman we inspire today becomes a leader of tomorrow.”
We also appreciate all participating teams, referees, mentors, partners, stakeholders, and community members who believed in the vision and made the festival a success.
As Tuungane CBO, we continue to learn, grow, and move from Malindi to Kisumu and beyond, using sport, mentorship, and environmental stewardship to promote women in sports and build stronger, more resilient communities.
This is more than a festival.
It is a journey.
And we are just getting started.