Spontaleza’s Journey: Building a Bridge Between Soccer Dreams and Reality in Low-Income Countries

Setting up the first steps

In many low-income countries across Africa and South America, soccer is more than just a game — it’s a way of life, a passion, and for many, a dream. According to FIFA’s 2017 Global Report, an estimated 44% of boys (but always in greater numbers are also girls) in these regions are involved in soccer in some capacity.

Yet, despite their passion and potential, the harsh reality of their economic circumstances often overshadows their dreams.

Consider this: according to the World Bank, the average income in Sub-Saharan Africa is less than $1.90 per day, and in South America, it’s not much higher. What this means for many families is that expenditure on non-essential items — which unfortunately includes sports equipment and training — is often out of reach.
For example, in 2020, the World Bank reported that the average family in Tanzania could only allocate about 2% of their income towards non-essential items.

A clear vision

Given these statistics, it’s clear that the road to becoming a soccer champion, but also to being able to engage in sports on an ongoing basis simply, is steep for these young potential talents. But that’s where Spontaleza comes in.
Our mission? To make sports and wealth accessible to as many kids as possible. We’re about creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and supporting dreams, especially for those who need it most. And our journey towards this mission has officially begun in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
In Paje and Michamvi, two small villages in Zanzibar, we’ve been working hard to set up our charity program’s first step. We are beginning an early agreement and support program with the local school and the ‘Sheha’ (which in Swahili indicates the village’s leading authority for social and daily affairs), and we’ve set the roadmap for supporting the local soccer team for boys aged 13–15.

Spontaleza’s founder has been active in Zanzibar since 2012, initially in the hotel business. He can tell us a bit about his journey there.
“Over the years, we’ve developed deep-rooted connections within the local community. We’ve managed to provide employment opportunities to over 200 individuals, supporting as many families in the process. It’s been a rewarding journey, and the bond we’ve developed with the area is truly special”.
Now, he explains that the team is leveraging the experience and connection for the new initiative.
“We’ve seen the drive and potential in the youth here, both in sports and academics, but most of all, the desire to emerge, to grow, to redeem themselves and to show families that it is time to give back the sacrifices that have been made.
We feel it’s time to utilize our experience and relationship with the community to offer these young people an additional opportunity. It’s about providing a pathway for growth, both in sports and education, for those who are eager and willing to pursue it”.

Just the first step

This journey has just begun, and we’re committed to making a difference in the lives of these young talents. We believe that by supporting their growth, we could help them reach their full potential and transform their dreams into reality while supporting education and families.
We’re excited about this journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.

Stay tuned!