Kicks 4 Kokoda

Kicks 4 Kokoda harnesses the power of football to connect young people with the mentors, knowledge and health services they need to grow, develop and thrive. Designed for adolescents aged 12–19, the program responds to critical challenges faced by a rapidly growing youth population in rural and remote areas, including limited access to health services, gender inequality and high rates of gender-based violence - using sport as an entry point for engagement, education and support.

KTF and the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), drawing on a tailored Grassroot Soccer curriculum adapted to the Oro Province context, deliver a holistic, community-driven approach to adolescent health and wellbeing. The nine-week program engages young people in critical topics including human and sexual and reproductive rights, gender equality and harmful gender norms, healthy communication, consent, risk behaviours, and building positive futures.

The program is delivered in close partnership with schools and local health services. Most courses are run through schools, with many volunteer coaches drawn from teachers and healthcare workers. Community tournaments facilitated by PNGOC HERO athletes, bring together families and local leaders, while health workers and other local advocacy and awareness organisations establish outreach booths to provide information, basic health checks and HIV testing for the wider community.

By creating safe spaces for young people to learn, build confidence and challenge harmful gender norms, K4K supports lasting behaviour change. The program places a strong emphasis on inclusion, ensuring opportunities for women, girls and people with disabilities to participate and benefit alongside the wider community.

To learn more about the impact of the Kicks 4 Kokoda program, explore KTF’s K4K latest evaluation here.