Football for Peace - Chocó
The Football for Peace project, implemented in partnership with Acadesan, aims to prevent the forced recruitment of children in the rural communities of Chocó by fostering socio-emotional skills through sports.
Using sports to build resilience
Addressing the recruitment of children and young people into the armed forces.
The rural communities along the San Juan River in Chocó are deeply affected by armed conflict, poverty, and social exclusion. One of the most pressing issues is the risk of forced recruitment of children by illegal armed groups. Due to the region’s geographic isolation and lack of public infrastructure, children in these communities have few safe recreational spaces. Without positive outlets or structured support, they are more vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Opportunities to participate in sports, especially with an educational and psychosocial focus are rare, and community leaders often lack training in methodologies that use sport as a tool for protection and empowerment.
To address these challenges, Children Change Colombia has implemented the Football for Peace project with our partner Acadesan . This initiative uses sport as a powerful medium to protect children and strengthen social fabric in 18 rural communities along the San Juan River. By combining football training with the Sports with Principles (SwP) methodology, the project fosters socio-emotional development and community leadership.
By reaching 402 children, more than double its original target, Football for Peace demonstrates the transformative potential of sports in conflict-affected areas. The project provides a safe and inclusive space for children to grow, learn, and play. It further reduces the risk of forced recruitment by strengthening protective environments. Lastly, the project inspires children to become confident, active participants in building peace.
Check out how this project has significantly helped our beneficiaries.
Football Training with Purpose: What we do
Children participate in structured football training sessions designed to:
- Develop coordination, teamwork, and physical fitness
- Instill values such as fair play, discipline, and inclusion
- Form local teams, with 60 participants receiving full football kits and training equipment
Socio-Emotional Support and SwP Workshops
Alongside football practice, participants engage in workshops and activities that:
- Introduce the Sports with Principles (SwP) methodology focused on respect, teamwork, and non-violence
- Strengthen emotional wellbeing and socio-emotional skills
- Promote leadership, resilience, and peaceful coexistence
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
- 20 teachers and local leaders were trained and certified in the SwP approach to ensure long-term impact
- Two football fields were rehabilitated, creating safe spaces that benefit 96 families
- A community sports festival brought together children, families, and leaders to celebrate inclusion, unity, and the joy of sport
