More than 240 young people from low-income communities across Ndola came together this past weekend for the first Democracy Dialogue Football Tournament, an innovative initiative implemented by ECES in partnership with WeFootball, within the framework of the European Union-funded project Strengthening Democracy and Electoral Governance in Zambia. As the first joint activity following the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ECES and WeFootball, the tournament marked the beginning of a new collaboration that harnesses the power of football to strengthen democratic participation, civic engagement and social cohesion.
Held ahead of Zambia's General Elections in August 2026, the initiative aimed to engage and empower first-time voters and young people through an innovative sport-for-development approach. By using the universal language of football, the tournament encouraged participants to reflect on democratic values, responsible citizenship and the importance of peaceful participation in electoral processes.
The event brought together more than 240 players, aged 16 to 23, representing eight teams—four girls' teams and four boys' teams—from different low-income communities across Ndola. Throughout the tournament, football became much more than a competition; it served as a platform for dialogue, learning and community engagement.
Alongside the matches, participants took part in Football for Democracy Circles, interactive discussions held in the changing rooms that explored key topics including democracy, responsible voting, youth leadership, peaceful elections and the fight against disinformation. The sessions encouraged participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and reflect on the role that young people can play in building stronger democratic societies.
One of the highlights of the tournament was watching the young participants confidently demonstrate what they had learned during the Democracy Circles, showcasing their understanding of democratic principles and their commitment to becoming active and informed citizens. The activity illustrated how football can inspire not only teamwork and leadership on the pitch, but also civic responsibility and democratic engagement beyond it.
The successful implementation of the tournament was made possible thanks to the valuable support of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), WeFootball, local partners, coaches, facilitators and the enthusiastic participation of every player. ECES also extends its sincere appreciation to the European Union, whose support made this initiative possible.
ECES was represented on the ground by Sylvestre Somo, Senior Project Officer, and Pezo Mateo Phiri, Senior Project Advisor, whose commitment and leadership were instrumental in the successful delivery of the initiative.
The Democracy Dialogue Football Tournament represents only the beginning of the collaboration between ECES and WeFootball. Building on the success of this first edition in Zambia, both organisations look forward to expanding this innovative approach to many more partner countries, demonstrating how football can serve as a powerful platform for dialogue, inclusion, leadership and democratic participation.
