Bondo United, Beyond Sports Kenya rule UN Football for the Goals tourney in Siaya

Monicah Marega (center) of Beyond Sports Kenya in action during the inaugural UN Football for the Goals tournament.[Washington Onyango]

Bondo United and Beyond Sports Kenya are the champions of the inaugural United Nations Football for the Goals tournament.

Bondo United FC from Bondo Constituency finished ahead of Red Santos from Gem Constituency and Clever FC from Nairobi finished third in the tournament played at Sidindi Primary School in Ugunja, Siaya County.

In the women's category, Beyond Sports Kenya from Trans Nzoia emerged as the winner.

Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is an opportunity to build on football’s powerful and influential reach and to work together to become agents of change by aligning messaging, strategies, and operations with the aspirations of the SDGs.

This initiative will inspire and guide the world of football – from confederations, national associations, leagues and clubs, to players’ associations, organized fan groups, as well as media and commercial partners – to build on existing sustainability approaches and to implement SDG strategies that lead to behavioral change.

Members may not only aspire to develop sustainable practices, but may also act as champions of the SDGs during the Decade of Action (2020-2030).

Action during the inaugural UN Football for the Goals tournament.[Washington Onyango]

Members will use their visibility and outreach power via tournaments, players, corporate brand exposure, media and fan communities to raise the profile of the SDGs through amplification and advocacy.

They will inspire action by demonstrating how these sustainable practices can be mainstreamed through any business model, including sport.

Kenya Academy of Sports CEO Doreen Odhiambo said the government is committed to promoting SDGs through sports and that is why they partnered with UN to work together.

"As the CEO of Kenya Academy of Sports, I am steadfastly committed to harnessing the power of sports to drive positive change and advance the Sustainable Development Goals in our great nation.

“Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and community engagement, we are not only nurturing athletic talent but also fostering a culture of inclusivity, empowerment, and social progress,” she said.