ImpacTing young liveS iN AfRica, On and off tHe field

In November 2012 Ricky joined us on our one of our trips to Nairobi where our school was based. On the very first day, Ricky was swiftly whisked off to their local playing field, no more than a rough piece of dirt land in the middle of the slums. From that moment he spent virtually everyday teaching and coaching the kids on football and upon his return he decided to set up Jersey 2 Africa dedicated to improving young lives in Africa through football. I can only say that he has been true to his word and has inspired and impacted 100s of children through the work of J2A. 

Jersey 2 Africa (“J2A”) have been a fantastic partner of Alive and Kicking since 2015 during which time they have empowered thousands of young children across Kenya by ensuring they have free access to regular exercise and play through the strategic donation of footballs. This impact has been strengthened by sourcing footballs locally in Kenya, therefore boosting the local economy, supporting employment and choosing a ball that is built to last. J2A unquestionably played a key part in Alive and Kicking’s survival during the difficult covid period and will undoubtedly help foster our growth in the future.

Jersey 2 Africa has played a significant role in the lives of many young people both ON and OFF the football pitch here in Africa and specifically in Kenya where we are based and where they enjoy a great realtionship with Vijana Amani Pamoja. Our organization VAP has received tremendous support in terms of footballs and other training equipment. Football coaching clinics provided by J2A have also added immense value to the organizations and the communities that we serve and many of our local coaches have gained additional skills not only in coaching football but also in essential lifeskills.

Jersey 2 Africa (“J2A”) has been of wonderful support to us at the Wire Soccer Academy in Oyugis, Kenya. Through donations of footballs by J2A we have been get under privileged children into school education by donating balls to the school whereby the children get to study until they finish their secondary education, with 6 children successfully completing their secondary education and going onto University or Technical college. Our soccer activities at the academy have been greatly enhanced by the balls and football kits provided by J2A and in 2022 J2A donated approx. $1,000 towards our field levelling project which has had a significant and positive benefit in helping give our boys and girls a much-improved field on which to practise and play. 

Mission 89 and A-Step foundation sincerely appreciate Jersey 2 Africa for it’s support of our Sports Community Mini World Cup tournament held in Mumias, Kakamega, Kenya in December 2022. The contribution and support from J2A made a great impact on the participating athletes and the community generally within Mumias and Kakamega County.  
On behalf of Mission 89 we greatly appreciate having your support in our fight to combat human trafficking through sports and in particular football.

My first experience of Jersey 2 Africa was at the City Stadium which hosts teams and children from the surrounding slum areas, mostly from disadvantaged households. J2A has really transformed the mindset and boosted the morale of
these players and coaches alike through its coaching clinics and life skills education. J2A’s visit to one of our maximum-security prisons further recognised the power of football to positively impact young people no matter their situation
in life. I would strongly appeal to them to continue with their amazing work forever more! Asante Sana! 

Jersey 2 Africa made a positive impact on young lives in Africa both on and off the field helping the neediest in our society. On the field they have generously supplied kits, balls and numerous other football equipment, whilst off the field they have donated beds and mattresses to a local orphanage.My own GK coaching organisation (Just4keepers Kenya) has also benefited from
the coaching clinics organized by J2A and I have no doubt that many other coaches in Kenya have similarly benefited.

I still can recall my first ever trip with Ricky going into the slums here in Nairobi. It was truly an eye-opening experience for me. I was humbled and shocked to witness the extreme poverty of my fellow Kenya brothers and sisters and realised
in that moment the exceptional purpose that Jersey 2 Africa had, in giving just a little hope and inspiration to these boys and girls that he engaged with and supported. Really, I don't have the right words to describe how wonderful Jersey 2
Africa has been for us all and to myself personally.

After meeting Ricky in Oyugis, Kenya in 2018 he then invited and supported me to travel to Nairobi in 2019 to attend his coaches clinic for almost 100 coaches. It was an invaluable experience to me and one which I will never forget. As the leader of J2A Ricky further took time later that year to visit us here in Kigali, Rwanda and further share his invaluable football knowledge and background. His visit was a tremendous boost for the confidence of our players and coaches and has given our coaches much more knowledge than they have ever received.

Meeting Ricky for the first time was a most pleasant experience to chat with another passionate grassroots football game-changer and whose 10-year meritorious works in Kenya for kids spoke volumes to me. Although we had just met he clearly understood and recognised what we did with our football academy for kids and grass roots programmes here in Nigeria. Ricky, through his work and commitment showed me real honest dedication towards positively developing football in Africa and we nourish strong hopes that we can partner with J2A in the future.

Jersey 2 Africa (“J2A”) has made a positive impact to the school in Lutengo, Uganda that was setup to help keep children in school through learning in football. J2A’s support has been instrumental in uplifting and encouraging our children. They have helped us with a plethora of football equipment including footballs and excellent training equipment. These donations were gratefully and excitedly received by our children both young boys and girls, who live in a remote community and J2A has helped us to continue to support the wellbeing and encourage a bright future for these boys and girls. Thank you J2A!

I first met Ricky in 2015 at our stadium and asked if he could become a mentor to our coaches. It is my firm belief that Ricky was sent by God to come and coach us, mentor us, inspire us and support us, since that his truly what he has done through his foundation Jersey 2 Africa since that day I met him.Ricky encourages players to work hard to make themselves better both on and off the field. He sees football as a metaphor for life. He is a fantastic motivator and has inspired hope in all of us.