By Divine Kowa | Communications Director
The past three months have been filled with football, learning, leadership, and community engagement for Open Field Cameroon. From the exciting conclusion of our 2026 Boys Tournament to the launch of our Girls Tournament, young people across Kumba are demonstrating that football can be a powerful platform for developing leaders and creating positive change.
Thousands Gather for the Boys Tournament Finale
In June, the 2026 Boys Tournament came to an exciting conclusion after weeks of competition and learning. Following dramatic semifinal matches, Gunners FA and Panesta FA advanced to the championship.
Thousands of community members gathered in Kumba for the grand finale, where Panesta FA defeated Gunners FA 3–2 in a thrilling match to become the 2026 Open Field Cameroon Boys Champions.
But the tournament was about much more than determining a champion.
Throughout the competition, participants built new friendships, developed their leadership skills, and learned about the importance of giving back to their communities. At the finale, both champions and runners-up received medals in recognition of their accomplishments and commitment.
For the boys, the weeks together created memories and relationships that extended well beyond the football field. The tournament became a journey of growth, unity, and community pride.
Creating a Space for Girls to Lead
As the Boys Tournament concluded, preparations were already underway for another major event: the 2026 Girls Football Tournament.
The tournament kicked off on July 5 at GPS Field in Kumba with Legend FA taking on Barombi Ladies. The opening match ended in a 0–0 draw, but the energy surrounding the tournament demonstrated the growing enthusiasm for girls' football in the community.
This year's tournament has an important purpose beyond competition. Programming focuses on menstrual health management, hygiene, sanitation, and well-being, providing girls with information that can help them better understand and manage their health with confidence and dignity.
Our goal is not only for participants to learn themselves, but also to become ambassadors who can share accurate information and promote healthier attitudes within their families and communities.
Meet Mary: A New Player Becomes a Leader
One participant is already showing us what that leadership can look like.
Before this tournament, Mary had never stepped onto a football field. Yet her Barombi Girls teammates recognized something in her: courage, determination, and an ability to bring people together. They chose Mary to serve as their captain.
She embraced the challenge.
During Barombi's match against Baptist Ladies, Mary encouraged her teammates and helped lead the team to an important victory. But her ambitions extend far beyond winning matches.
Mary shared:
“I promise not just to play but to sensitize my community about the theme of the tournament—Menstrual Health Management and Wellbeing—and to be a better role model in my community.”
Mary's experience captures what Open Field Cameroon strives to accomplish through sport. A young person doesn't have to be the most experienced footballer to become a leader. Sometimes, she simply needs an opportunity for others—and herself—to discover what she is capable of.
To everyone reading, thank you. Your support helps make these opportunities possible for young people in Kumba. Together, we are using the power of football to develop leaders, strengthen communities, and equip young people with the knowledge and skills to create a healthier and more sustainable future.
By Justin Forzano | CEO
By Peter Ngwane | Country Director
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