This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
On September 22, 2019, Kenya's Futbol Mas Foundation was awarded the 2019 Fifa Diversity Award by the Fifa Foundation during the fourth edition of the awards ceremony in Milan, Italy.
The foundation, established in 2008 in Mathare and Kibera Slums, has been working tirelessly to prevent youth from engaging in vices such as crime, drug abuse, and violence.
Through its football league, which caters to children between 5-15 years old, the foundation aims to equip the youth with proper life skills, positivity, hygiene knowledge, and self-esteem building.
"Today is a powerful reminder of how football can impact lives. Of how − in the face of different problems, in different parts of the world – the game is a strong tool to promote positive change," said Futbol Mas commercial director, Sergio Guerrero.
The foundation's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as it was voted the winner of the Fifa Diversity Award 2019 by a jury comprising 11 prominent figures from global football and international experts in diversity and anti-discrimination in sport.
The award is part of Fifa's ongoing drive to promote equality and inclusivity, initiatives of which include the implementation of an anti-discrimination monitoring system and the launch of a three-step procedure to deal with discriminatory incidents during matches at major tournaments.
The next league will start on September 19, 2019.
