At the +Sports for Peace and Development program reflection meeting held on 13/12/24, Playmakers (Youth Coaches) highlighted the values they learned and have been able to inculcate in the GAME zones and how they will sustain them in their different communities.

Coaching is more than just guiding GAME zone kids; it's about inspiring growth, instilling discipline, and building a spirit of resilience. As playmakers, they embraced this journey to shape GAME Zone kids and challenge themselves to lead with passion and purpose.

Along the way, they have encountered victories and setbacks, each teaching invaluable lessons about teamwork, adaptability, and the power of persistence.

These experiences fueled playmakers' commitment to improve, innovate, and pave the way for a brighter future in +sports for peace and development. Together, they are moving forward with renewed energy, ready to inspire the next generation of champions.

Collectively, they shared their experiences.

They became more responsible for their duties and changed their mindsets; some things must go their way, and they can also lead in GAME zone activities.

The mindset shift is crucial in any sports program targeting youths, as it lays the foundation for growth, resilience, and success both on and off the field. By encouraging playmakers and GAME Zone kids to focus on effort over outcome, embrace challenges, and view failures as opportunities to learn, they cultivated a growth-oriented mindset that empowered them to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. This transformation fosters excellence and essential life skills like confidence, perseverance, and teamwork, ensuring that the program's impact extends far beyond the game.

They also enhanced their communication, self-awareness, critical thinking, and leadership skills, boosted confidence, time management accountability, public speaking skills, and networking with their peers, GAME zone kids, and community members.

These abilities empower playmakers to express themselves confidently, make informed decisions under pressure, and inspire their peers through example. Time management and accountability instill discipline, ensuring they balance sports with academics and personal growth.

Public speaking and networking skills open doors to opportunities, enabling them to build meaningful connections and represent themselves and their teams with poise. Together, these skills create well-rounded Youth and future leaders equipped to tackle challenges on and off the GAME Zone.

Additionally, they were able to comfortably lead GAME zone kids and relate with peers using age-appropriate strategies, which were further complemented by the dialogue sessions at the GAME zones, which enabled the playmakers to understand the kind of problems facing the community.

The playmakers learned to manage stress and anxiety at the GAME zones while leveraging MIDRIFT HURINET programming to become youth champions on GBV.

Managing stress and anxiety in the intense atmosphere of game zones is as vital as the strategies they bring to the field.

Staying composed under pressure models resilience and emotional intelligence for them, fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

As champions against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), playmakers have a unique platform to lead by example, promoting respect, inclusion, and equality. By mastering their mental well-being, they enhance their coaching and become powerful advocates for safe, positive spaces where GAME zone kids can thrive as players and individuals.

Furthermore, they learned conflict resolution mechanisms and how to utilize them in their communities, incorporating sports for peace while enhancing their coaching skills.

Playmakers often serve as role models and mediators, navigating disputes between themselves, parents, or even GAME zone kids. Equipping them with conflict resolution skills empowers them to address challenges constructively, promote mutual understanding, and maintain a positive and inclusive environment. This enhances team cohesion and performance and teaches playmakers and GAME zone kids the value of effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving, skills they can carry into every aspect of their lives.

On the sustainability aspect of their experiences, some committed to starting a girl's mental health club to cascade the information on mental health and drug and substance abuse among girls in school & working with other stakeholders and Organizing awareness campaigns on Mental Health, Gender, and Conflict resolution mechanisms in enhancing social cohesion.

These campaigns provide a safe space to address challenges like stress, self-esteem, and societal pressures, equipping girls with tools to thrive mentally and emotionally. When playmakers champion these efforts, they amplify the message of care, resilience, and empowerment, creating positive change in schools and communities.

By

Jacob Karani