By Billy Poon
Tackle and Laureus Sport For Good has announced an initiative to improve education and health among adolescent girls in the Hoima district of western Uganda using football.
The project, supported by The SOL Foundation, will run in 2026 and provide accurate information about sexuality and menstruation, enabling girls to continue their school journey with dignity, and increasing future opportunities.
Tackle's health intervention is built seamlessly into football sessions, using the universal appeal of the sport to engage and educate young participants. By creating awareness and encouraging discussion of topics such as menstruation in a caring environment, local coaches are breaking down societal norms and empowering girls.
After participating, the percentage of girls with knowledge of HIV jumped from 19% to as high as 96%.
The programme focuses on adolescent girls and young women aged 12-18 years who might otherwise drop out of school due to menstruation-related issues.
The young women who serve as head coaches of the football teams (and also receive training) learn not only how to play football, but menstrual hygiene management and sanitary pad production skills. This two-pronged model ensures sustainability, impacting both students and educators.
The SOL Foundation facilitates the work of Laureus Sport for Good in Uganda. The initiative aims to improve educational performance in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals and ensure a better future for girls.
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation operates worldwide and uses sports as a tool to combat social problems. Laureus funds over 200 sports programmes in more than 40 countries, reaching nearly a quarter of a million kids around the world.
Want to learn more about the initiative and how you can help? Visit The SOL Foundation website.