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Football for Humanity welcomes Ms Phyllis Mary Mbaka as its first Ambassador for her home country of Kenya where she is the founder and CEO, and coach of Hearts of Ruiru Sports Centre.
Founded in 2012, the Centre provides a safe space for children and youths aged 9-18 years to play and grow their football skills and also helps talented players obtain scholarships to high schools. Hearts of Ruiru, like FFH, believes that football is a powerful platform to address various social issues such as Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse (ADSA) and juvenile delinquency among children and youth in Ruiru, Kenya.
Chris Thomas, Football for Humanity Founder and President, announced that “Mary’s foundation is perfectly aligned with Football for Humanity’s vision and goals. As Ambassador, she will be our spokesperson, and we will work together to integrate our initiatives and plans and thus further enhance each other’s advocacies.”
In response, Ms Mbaka says, "I am honoured to be part of this great partnership and to be an ambassador for Football for Humanity. I believe everyone has a responsibility to change the world every day – even with small deeds, especially by helping others meet their most basic needs. As an advocate of clean water and education, I believe our partnership with Football for Humanity will help us continue doing good for all."
Mary is a devoted and well-seasoned prison officer in the Kenya Prison service. A native of Mutomo, Kitui County, she obtained her bachelor of technology education degree in Moi University in 2009 with a major in electrical and electronics technology.
While working at Q-line technologies as a computer technician, she played for a soccer team in the famous Kenya Women Premier League, Makolanders F.C. Mary professes a special interest for children and has studied extensively on CYCAS (children youth, church and sports), 3-Dimensional coaching, Peer Education, Basic Counselling and sports ministry. Mary believes in equal and equitable opportunities for all, irrespective of gender, religion or cultural beliefs. She fights for SDG 4 & SDG 5 and is a 2020 ZURI Awards HONOREE (SPORTS CATEGORY).
