TackleAfrica and PITCH have been training 18 leaders of 6 civil society healthcare organisations in Uganda to become football coaches. Building the capacity of these leaders will give them a new educational tool for reaching the key populations they work with. Through football drills and tournaments they address issues such as the lack of knowledge and understanding of HIV, prevention and treatment. The 18 football coaches are based in Kampala and Busia and from organisations including the Uganda Harm Reduction Network, Icebreakers Uganda and UNYPA. The curriculum is specifically designed for key populations, including members of the LGBT community, people who use drugs and people living with HIV. 

The project ensures no one is excluded and that mobile voluntary counselling and testing services are brought to beneficiaries in their communities during fun and accessible football tournaments. At the three tournaments held so far, 340 people have been counselled, with 332 of those tested for HIV and 28 positives found and referred for treatment. 5,600 free condoms and 1,050 pieces of free lube have also been distributed.
 
Combining the increased awareness with the fun and healthy element that football provides, TackleAfrica and PITCH believe the 18 football coaches and their organisations will be better able to achieve positive sexual health outcomes for their beneficiaries in the years to come. Have a look at one of the tournaments held or read more about TackleAfrica here.