Across Sub-Saharan Africa, many young people face daily struggles—poverty, unemployment, and limited opportunities. In disadvantaged communities, frustration often leads to unsafe living conditions, substance abuse, crime, or even recruitment by armed groups.
At ISA West Africa, we believe in the power of sports to transform lives. By creating safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly spaces, we equip young people with life skills, confidence, and leadership opportunities, helping them shape stronger communities. Our trained community sports coaches serve as mentors, guiding youth toward positive futures.
We invest in young people through structured sports-based development programs that foster leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
Restoring hope for displaced youth.
For young people affected by displacement, sports provide a sense of stability, connection, and belonging. This programme creates structured sports activities to help youth rebuild confidence, reintegrate into their communities, and regain a sense of purpose.
Empowering youth to take charge of their future.
Through sports-based life skills training, we help young people become role models and agents of change. Many of our trained coaches have gone on to start their own sports clubs, secure employment, or lead youth development initiatives.
Breaking barriers for girls in sports.
Every girl deserves the opportunity to play, lead, and thrive. This programme creates safe, inclusive sports spaces, empowering girls to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and challenge gender barriers in sports.
We don’t just believe in change—we take action! Here’s how ISA West Africa is making a difference on the ground:
In 2024, we expanded the We Got Game (WGG) program to five new communities across Ségou, Sikasso, and Bamako. This initiative trained:
• 100 community youth coaches
• 20 local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
• Thousands of youth previously without access to sports training
Each coach developed a 12-week action plan and received on-the-job mentorship from ISA ROWA facilitators to ensure success.
Following the success of We Got Game, we are intensifying our Girls Inclusion Program in 2025. This initiative focuses on:
• Recruiting and training more female sports coaches.
• Ensuring safe spaces for girls to participate in sports and take on leadership roles.
• Challenging gender barriers in sports culture.
Our goal: To create a future where girls have equal opportunities in sports and leadership.
Launched in 2022, the ISA Youth Fund supports young community sports coaches in driving social change. In December 2024, we launched the second edition, inviting young coaches from the We Got Game (WGG) program to submit community-driven sports projects.
Selected projects receive:
• Entrepreneurship training to develop leadership and business skills.
• 200,000 CFA in financial support to bring their ideas to life.
• Coaching & mentorship to ensure long-term impact.
Are you a young coach with a vision for change? Apply now and take action!
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Behind every successful programme is a dedicated team of passionate leaders, coaches, and change-makers. Meet the people driving ISA West Africa’s mission forward—committed individuals who empower youth, create opportunities, and use sports as a force for positive change.
“Malian youth receive much critique on their behaviour throughout the country. I am determined and excited to help the youth in developing new life skills.”
“I am always inspired to see young people changing their lives as well as their communities and to see them driving a new global order in which they are identified as a resource to be developed, not a problem to be solved. ISA gives me the opportunity to deliver life-changing programmes as I provide my shoulders to young people to step on and create new horizons in their lives.”
“Tolerance, commitment, and availability – in short, everyone must be role models to help others build their life projects so that they become true community leaders.”
“I was able to gain self-confidence and respect from the members of my community being part of the ISA family. I have also been able to realize many of my personal projects in my community. I have a strong will to serve the youth and better support them.”
“Community development through sport is my vision of life. Every day I’m committed to work with the community, coaches, organisations and especially with the youth to change behavior to develop my community.”
“The experiences I have gained with ISA have allowed me to undertake community development activities together with youth in my community while being a role model.”
“Each support given by ISA has had a positive impact on my different activities and has contributed to the desired changes. I am powered to fight for my goals, especially for the development of my community.”
President
&
Represents West Africa in
The Global Council
Executive Secretary
Treasurer
Youth member
Board member
Board member
Board member
Inspire and support young people through mentorship and coaching.
We are always looking for passionate volunteers who can contribute in the following areas:
Ready to volunteer?
If you are skilled in any of the areas above, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us at info@isa-youth.org, and we’ll get in touch soon.
Get real-world experience and grow alongside us!
Interning with ISA offers a unique opportunity to develop both your professional skills and your passion for youth empowerment. We provide mentorship and real-world learning experiences, including:
Join our team!
Looking to make an impact while developing your career? Reach out to us today!
Send your application to info@isa-youth.org.
Work with us to enhance opportunities for young people.
At ISA, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive sustainable development. Together, we can create a better future for young people worldwide. Here are the types of partnerships you can engage in:
Financial Partner:
Your financial support will directly fund programmes that empower youth to become leaders in their communities. Your contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.
Corporate Partner:
Align your brand with our mission and engage in long-term collaborations that support youth development on a global scale. From co-branded campaigns to employee engagement, your partnership will drive change.
Impact Partner:
Share your expertise, connections, and resources to expand the reach of our youth empowerment initiatives. By joining forces, we can strengthen our global network and create more opportunities for young people.
Let’s make an impact together!
Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities.
“The sport is not just a game; it is a powerful tool for social change that can transform lives and build communities”
– Boubacar Sissoko