Alive & Kicking UK

Have your parents ever told you life isn't fair? Well on one issue they are right! Alive & Kicking has found an area where, with your help, we believe we can make the world a fairer place.

It's hard to believe, but not all children and teenagers can play sport because they simply don't have access to proper balls.

In rural sub-Saharan Africa, the only balls available are too expensive for schools and clubs and most individuals to buy, and not suited to the conditions some people play in.

As a result, they don't last for long. Instead, children often have to make their own balls out of plastic bags and string (see homepage video). This is a problem that can be overcome.

Making Balls

Alive & Kicking is a charity that works in Kenya, Zambia and South Africa. We make leather footballs, netballs and volleyballs that are cheaper and are designed with tough African conditions in mind. They can also be repaired making them last much longer than other balls.

Making balls! Is that all there is to it?

NO. Although giving children the ability to play is important - it's actually a right (Article 31 of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child) - it isn't all that Alive & Kicking is trying to achieve.

Creating Jobs

Alive & Kicking makes all it's balls in sub-Saharan Africa, creating jobs for adults who were previously unemployed. 

In the countries where Alive & Kicking works, unemployment is a major problem and can reach 80%. Just like adults in the UK, adults in Africa are responsible for supporting their families. If they are unemployed they can't do this. Things are even harder because the government in Kenya, South Africa and Zambia can't afford to help by giving unemployment benefits.

In these countries, we employ over 130 people. It may not seem like a lot but when you think about the support they can give to their families, it does make a difference.

All Alive & Kicking balls are hand-stitched. Hand stitching is a skill that can be learnt and lasts a lifetime. People with skills are much more likely to get a job. By teaching people how to stitch, Alive & Kicking improves their chances of getting a job in the future.

Saving Lives

Children and adults all around the world love sport. Sport is a great way to have fun and keep fit. But it is also a good way of getting young people together in a relaxed environment while teaching them important things.    

In Africa, young people face many serious risks to their health, from diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria (Click on the links to learn more). These illnesses are life threatening but they can be avoided - as long as people know how.

Alive & Kicking prints health messages onto all balls. Because people love sport and because balls are in such demand, they are an excellent starting point to pass on to children and teenagers important information on how to stay safe and healthy. Alive & Kicking also produces posters featuring famous sports stars warning people about dangerous illnesses they face and how to avoid them.

Lots of charities working in Africa are using our balls to do this. You can see which ones on our Supporters page.

Take a look at the 'Get Active' page to see how you can help us to get more balls to more young people in sub-Saharan Africa!