Grassroot Soccer Inc

Nigeria is facing an acute youth mental health crisis. The country has one of the highest suicide rates in the wrold, and one-third of all people experiencing mental health challenges are young people. Mental health remains highly stigmatized, while widespread socioeconomic hardship and political instability further exacerbate the situation, particularly for marginalized youth and young people with disabilities. With 63% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 24, the mental well-being of young people is critical to the country’s future and sustainable development. The lack of preventive interventions and inclusive support systems means that many young people do not have the tools they need to cope with stress or seek help in a timely manner. Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need for initiatives that strengthen youth mental health, reduce stigma, and create safe inclusive environemnts. Without targeted and sustainable interventions, mental health challanges amoung young people are likely to worsen, leading to long-term consequences for both individuals and society.

Through this project, Grassroot Soccer aims to strengthen youth mental health in Nigeria by using sport-based education and creating safe, inclusive environemnts that equip young people with the tools to manage stress, speak openly about mental health challenges, and reduce the stigma that prevents them from seeking support.

What happens in the project? 

• Method Adaptation: Ensures that the MindSKILLZ program is adapted to the Nigerian context. This is achieved through a workshop to contextualize the program materials and integrate disability inclusion perspectives. 

• Recruitment and Training of Coaches: Young adults are trained in sport-based methodology, mental health, and inclusion. 

• Delivery of MindSKILLZ Sessions: Interactive sessions that combine football-based activities with non-formal learning methods. 

• Coach Development Academy: Ongoing mentorship and capacity building for coaches to ensure program quality and continuous improvement. 

• Establishing Referral Pathways to Additional Support: Collaboration with local healthcare providers and support services to ensure that young people with greater needs can access appropriate care.  

• Community Engagement: A series of larger community-based activities aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and increasing awareness and understanding of mental well-being. 

Why is the project supported? 

Through an evidence-based and scalable model that reduces stigma, builds resilience, and improves access to support, the project contributes to strengthening young people’s mental health and giving them the opportunity to lead safer, healthier, and more sustainable lives.