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WHO WE ARE

We’re a community of dreamers dedicated to expanding people’s understanding of excellence through football. And we believe that every talent deserves a fair shot at pursuing their dreams, whatever they may be.

That’s why we’ve created a holistic environment that blends in elite football training with world-class education and character development, allowing our student-athletes to develop not just as elite footballers, but as leaders and changemakers who will make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

Take a peek into our journey and find out what drives us forward in our mission to empower the next generation of talent.

I have witnessed the unique power of football to break down gender stereotypes and help deliver sexual health programmes; the difference that daily nutrition and mentoring can have on the prospects of a child.

Oliver Brendon, Chairman

OUR JOURNEY

2017

Where it began

When Oliver Brendon first visited Zambia in 2009, he was staggered by the number of orphans living in abject poverty without basic needs such as access to clean water, toilets or an education. He made a promise to Presley, the volunteer headteacher at Mukuni village, that he would come back to help them build a school.

2020

A change in direction

Our close partnership with the Livingstone Youth Football Academy has shown us the enormous positive impact that organised and inclusive football can have on young people’s lives and on their communities.

2022

Women's team promoted to the Super League

The Play it Forward FC Women’s Team won back-to-back promotions in their first two seasons. No playing at the top level of Zambian football, they have proved themselves to be one of the top teams in Zambia. Never before has a women’s team in the Southern Province of Zambia accomplished this achievement before. Two of our players, Majory and Grace represented Zambia on the international stage.

2023

Common Goal membership

Play it Forward was accepted as a network member in the global Common Goal community, helping to inspire everyone in football to collaborate towards an equal and sustainable future for all.

2024

A New Home

As the Play it Forward programming expanded its reach, it needed a new home. A new site was identified in Dambwa, on the outskirts if the tourist capital of Livingstone. This move allowed the Academy to increase their capacity from 40 to just over 100 students, giving even more young talents the opportunity to train, learn, and pursue their dreams.
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