Who We Are?
Initiative for Development Through Sport (IDSportAfrica) is a youth-led organization using sport as a platform to advance youth development and gender equality in underserved communities aligned with the UN SDGS goal 3 – Good health and well being, goal 4 – Quality education and goal 5 – Gender equality.
Our work supports young people broadly, while placing a strong focus on girls and young women, who often face greater barriers to safe participation, leadership, and opportunity. We create inclusive spaces where all young people can engage, while intentionally designing programs that ensure girls are supported to participate, lead, and thrive.
We began as grassroots, community led initiatives in 2013 and formally established as an NGO in 2024. Today, we deliver pilot programs in Ilorin, Nigeria, while engaging broader audiences through virtual learning, advocacy, and storytelling.
Our Approach – STEP
We use STEP (Sport Values through Education and Play) model to design participatory, community-rooted experiences. Through STEP, sport becomes more than activity. It becomes a top for learning, expression, and empowerment.
Our work is guided by five core pillars:
- Play – Creating safe and inclusive spaces for participation
- Protect – Promoting safety, respect, and well-being
- Lead – Building confidence and leadership skills
- Voice – Encouraging expression and dialogue
- Thrive – Supporting growth and access to opportunity
What We Do
We design and deliver programs that combine sport, values-based learning, and storytelling to support girls and young people.
Our activities include:
- School-based sport and leadership sessions
- Community engagement and workshops
- Virtual learning and dialogue sessions
- Story telling and advocacy through campaigns like #PlayHerWay
Vision Statement
A world where all young people have access to safe, empowering spaces to play, lead, and thrive especially girls and young women.
Mission Statement
IDSportAfrica leverages sports to enhance physical and mental health, integrate education, and advocate for gender equality. We aim to foster economic growth, increase female participation, and promote peace and understanding, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goals and Objective
- To promote physical and mental health and general wellbeing through sport activities and fitness programs
- To integrate sports into educational components to enhance learning outcomes
- To increase female participation in sports through targeted advocacy initiatives and programs
- To foster economic growth through sports-related programs and initiatives
- To utilize sports as a tool for fostering peace, understanding and unity
OUR VALUES
- Safety & Well-being
We prioritize safe, supportive environments and are committed to promoting physical and mental health through sports, ensuring long-lasting benefits for individuals and communities.
- Community & Equality
We foster inclusive communities by empowering women and breaking barriers, creating equal opportunities for all in sports.
- Impact & Sustainability
We use the power of sports to create positive social impact, working towards lasting positive change for people and the planet while building understanding and cooperation across diverse communities.