Launch of the African SSCN Youth Forum

In its role as the Southern African Convener of the Sport for Social Change Network (SSCN), Altus Sport hosted 33 exceptional youth leaders from 10 African countries to establish the African SSCN Youth Forum on June 14-17.

The Youth Forum consists of youth representatives from the member organizations of the SSCN from across the African continent. While the SSCN itself strives to link organizations that use sport to make social change happen, the Youth Forum is about empowering the next generation. The Forum will encourage local youth-led initiatives that use sport to promote social change, while also providing an umbrella body to link those initiatives. As a component of the SSCN, it provides a platform for discussion, exchange, decision making and advocacy to youth from at least 10 African countries.

Over the last few days, the founding members met in Johannesburg to establish the Youth Forum, to exchange their experiences in sport for social change, to make their voices heard in discussions with policy-makers, and to decide on the way forward. After the hard work, we had the privilege of going to see Brazil play in the World Cup, thanks to Grassroot Soccer and the Sony Ticket Fund. Nike also welcomed us at the amazing Football Training Centre in Soweto. We can safely say these days were an astonishing experience – and this was only the start!

A sincere thank you to all those who contributed to its success, especially our partners YDF and Nike!

First SSCN Conference Organized by Altus Sport

From November 23-25 an initial group of more than 40 organizations affiliated with the Sport for Social Change Network from six Southern African countries had an exciting and successful meeting near Johannesburg. As organizers, at Altus we worked hard to provide engaging topics, speakers and formats and we are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive feedback we got from the participants, thank you!

The topics included the establishment of a formal basis for the SSCN in Southern Africa – including discussion of a “manifesto” and signing up for formal membership, as well as key topics such as entrepreneurship and sponsorship.Thanks to generous support from our partners, Nike and YDF, we were even able to offer unique services such as business card designs and advice on sponsorship proposals and competition entries. A final highlight was an expression of support from South African hero Oscar Pistorius! Sincere thanks go to him and all others who supported this event to make it a success!

Two olympians supporting sport for social change