Empowering Namibia's Youth Through Soccer

Sport is a universal language. It also has the power to unify people and break down cultural, religious, and economic boundaries. According to Lakshmi Puri, former United Nations assistant secretarygeneral and former U.N. women deputy executive director, “Sport has enormous power to generate real social, economic, and environmental change and contribute to sustainable development, social cohesion, and even to challenge mindsets and prejudice.”

Of all sports, soccer is the most popular in the world, played in most countries. In fact, it’s estimated that there are 250 million soccer players in over 200 countries across the world.

Namibia is no different, with the sport seeing a huge following across age categories and genders. It has an especially large following among the youth of Namibia.

It’s said that the word “soccer” originated as a slang abbreviation of the word “association”. A synonym for “soccer" is “football”, and both words can be used interchangeably.

Football serves as a powerful unifying force, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and communities. It fosters social cohesion and can transcend boundaries. These are key factors in a society striving for harmony and inclusivity.

The popular sport of soccer is a great way to improve a person’s physical, mental, and social development. These are some of the reasons why Debmarine Namibia has chosen to continue its steadfast commitment as the official sponsor of soccer in Namibia, and chose to significantly increase their sponsorship funds from N$13 million in the 2022/23 period to N$18 million for the 2023/24 season. The investment not only reflects the company's dedication to community development but also highlights the profound importance of soccer to Namibia's youth.

The league's return welcomed three newly promoted teams: Okakarara Young from Otjozondjupa Region, Khomas Nampol, and Eeshoke Chula Chula from Ohangwena Region.

The 2023/24 Debmarine Premiership season has ignited hope and enthusiasm among soccer enthusiasts nationwide, and once again showcased soccer's unique ability to captivate hearts and minds.

Participation in sports instills discipline and provides a constructive outlet. Through sponsorships like these, the youth of Namibia are given opportunities for competitive participation and exposure to other clubs, contributing to elevating our country's global sports standing. With aspirations to represent their country internationally, it’s platforms like these that kindles dreams for many young talents. This dream becomes a powerful motivator, nurturing dedication and perseverance among the youth.

Whether they make it to the global stage or not, the youth exposed to structured sports activities see improvement in healthy lifestyle choices as it encourages fitness and discipline through training and practice. These skills transcend the field, contributing to personal growth and character development.

Debmarine Namibia's decision to support sports aligns with its commitment to fostering skill development. Debmarine Namibia's increased soccer sponsorship underscores both its commitment to the sport and the profound impact football has on the lives of Namibia's youth. Through physical fitness, life skill development, social cohesion, and the pursuit of dreams, soccer plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation's young generation.