Who we are
The United Football Initiative (UFI) is a non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of school children in African townships.
Our mission is simple: to provide access to professional football training and mentorship. Through UFI, young players gain not only technical skills but also life skills—building resilience, teamwork, and confidence. By harnessing the universal language of football, we aim to create a brighter future for these talented youth, one goal at a time.
Why Football is the right choice?
Physical Wellbeing
Regular physical activity through football promotes fitness, agility, and overall health.
Life Skills
Football serves as a “school for life,” teaching essential skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Cognitive Development
Playing football sharpens cognitive behaviors such as focus, concentration, and strategic thinking, which can benefit other areas of life.
Social Interaction
Football fosters social connections, communication, and respect for others.
Emotional Regulation
It helps manage emotional responses, conflict resolution, and constructive criticism.
In summary, football not only keeps young people physically active but also equips them with valuable life skills for their future endeavors.
How we do it
- Access for All: We partner directly with township schools, ensuring that football training is accessible to every child. No barriers, no exclusions. Whether they dream of playing professionally or simply want to enjoy the game, UFI opens doors.
- Professional Coaching: Our team of experienced coaches brings expertise, passion, and mentorship to the field. We focus on skill development, teamwork, and character building. Beyond football, we instill life skills that last a lifetime.
- Community Engagement: UFI isn’t just about football drills; it’s about community impact. We organize tournaments, workshops, and events that bring families together, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
One of our partner schools
Phuthumani Primary School,Tembisa, Johannesburg
Phuthumani Primary School is more than just an educational institution; it’s a beacon of hope in Tembisa Township. By partnering with Phuthumani, we are able to reach hundreds of children who have dreams of playing football and achieving greatness beyond their current circumstances. The school serves as a crucial gateway, opening doors for young talent to access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Our Team
Andrew
Andrew, our On-Ground Coordinator, is your main contact person on-site. Andrew excels at connecting partners with the best opportunities. His hands-on approach and local expertise ensure that every initiative is tailored to maximize benefit and joy for the children. Andrew’s dedication and passion make him an invaluable part of our mission to empower youth through football.
Aubrey
Aubrey, our CEO, brings over 25 years of expertise in international business development, marketing, and sales. Living in South Africa, he has deep connections with local companies and organizations, as well as an intimate understanding of the communities that will benefit most from our initiatives. Aubrey’s leadership and vision drive our mission forward.
Sebastian
Sebastian, our Football Mastermind, is a former youth national player for Germany and currently owns an international football agency. His extensive network and deep understanding of the sport enable us to provide top-tier football programs in Africa. Sebastian excels at creating impactful activations that benefit all stakeholders involved.
Jörg
Jörg, our Impact Optimizer, ensures that every funding dollar maximizes societal benefit. With a rich background in management, finance, and as a former professional and youth national player for Germany, Jörg oversees administrative functions efficiently. His expertise ensures our resources create lasting positive change in the communities we serve.
Your Contribution Can Transform Lives
Together, we can empower township youth through football, providing them with opportunities for a brighter future. Your support enables us to deliver impactful football programs, enhance community infrastructure, and foster a new generation of leaders.
Every donation counts and helps us make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a company, organization, or private individual, your contribution is vital to our mission of creating positive change in Africa.
Be part of the United Football Initiative. Let’s transform lives, one goal at a time.
How you can help?
Donate financially
Support our programs with a monetary contribution to help us reach more children and improve facilities.
Sponsor a program
Partner with us to fund specific initiatives, from training camps to community events.
