1st EDITION OF CHIPATA COMMUNITY FOOTBALL LEAGUE SEASON CLOSES
In the heart of Chipata Compound, a buzz of excitement filled the air from 12th May to 19th July 2025 every Saturday morning. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the local football pitch transformed into a vibrant arena for the Chipata Compound Football League (CCFL). This wasn’t just any football league; it was a community-driven initiative designed to cultivate something far greater than just athletic prowess, focusing mainly on fairness, participation, sportsmanship and inter-personal relationship building.
The league brought together over 150 young football players from 10 community-based teams. For many, it provided a much-needed routine, offering them the chance to regularly compete against different teams and exchange experiences. As one participant, Jesper Makaka, aptly put it, “This league is all about fairness.”
The league brought together over 150 young football players from 10 community-based teams. For many, it provided a much-needed routine, offering them the chance to regularly compete against different teams and exchange experiences. As one participant, Jesper Makaka, aptly put it, “This league is all about fairness.”
A standout moment came when Astonvilla A was awarded the coveted Sportsmanship Award. Their consistent demonstration of respect, punctuality, and fairness both on and off the field, earned them a new set of jerseys. A tangible symbol of their commitment to the league’s core values.
The final matchday was attended by Sport In Action Projects Manager, Mwape Konsolo, SIA National womens football development officer, Mary Tembo and Project Manager in Zambia from the ASC Gottingen (IFWD) Neria Muntemba who commended the players for their dedication to the league. she encouraged the teams participating in the league to continue working hard and not to stop practicing just because the league season has come to an end.
Esther Pasler, one of the league coordinators had the following to say. “This league was really a pleasure and I’m so grateful that I could be part of seeing all the players growing. Thank you coaches for your support and your investment in these Young people.”
she continued “Everyone has really done a good job! Let’s keep it up! This league should be a start for many coming CCFL’s.”
The Chipata Compound Football League proved to be an overwhelming success. It not only provided a dynamic platform for skill development and values-based competition but also established a replicable model for other communities seeking to foster similar positive change through sports. It showed that with a focus on fairness and discipline, a simple football league could profoundly impact the lives of young people, building stronger individuals and a more cohesive community.
