Project Update: Footballs and Netballs

The Zambia Society Trust has for many years donated footballs and netballs to community schools through ZOCS (Zambia Open Community Schools) and directly to schools and other organisations in Zambia. The balls are manufactured by Alive and Kicking in their workshop in Lusaka. In 2025 £2,500 was allocated to purchase 170 balls (85 footballs and 85 netballs).  

ZOCS was established in Zambia in 1992 to empower communities to provide quality education to vulnerable children across Zambia supporting over 240,000 learners in more than 1,285 community schools. The balls are distributed with an emphasis on rural areas in the more remote parts of Zambia. Alive and Kicking is a social enterprise which employs adults from vulnerable job groups. The balls are hard wearing, suitable for hard surfaces, proven to last up to eight times longer than other brands and can be repaired to prolong life.

ZOCS report that the provision of sports items such as balls in Community Schools continues to make a difference in the lives of children who, on many occasions use materials such as old pieces of clothes and plastic bags to make “balls” to play with. Receiving a real leather ball improves school attendance, enhances collaborative abilities, self-confidence and social skills.

The Trust has received the following messages of thanks

“I am very grateful for the balls which I received. They will go a long way in helping the youths in this community to exercise and live a healthy life. Also, when they are busy playing football and netball they will refrain from drugs and other bad habits since they will be busy.”  

“I would like to appreciate you all for the donation of 6 footballs you sent to me for Tyankha boys academy. It’s really a good thing for me and the boys. It’s a motivation for us. May the Good Lord keep blessing you always. Whenever you are capable, please remember me with my boys so that the boys are diverted from substance abuse, criminal acts and self-injury. Football keeps these boys busy always. Once again, thanks so much.”