Northern Region: YOPP organizes 2026 edition of its General Sports Festival

The Youth Opportunity Partnership Program (YOPP) hosted its General Sports Festival at the Dalun RC school park from April 16 - 19, 2026.

The festival, held every two years is primarily for girls’ football clubs to compete and showcase their talents. The clubs are part of a league program run by YOPP where young people (boys and girls) from diverse communities are provided professional training in football to hone their skills.

The 2026 edition of the festival was held under the theme “Uniting Communities Through Sports for Youth Empowerment and Development.” Six teams participated in the competition: Kumbungu Walima, Waribogu, Kasuliyili, Tibung, Moglaa, and Chirifoyili.

The goal of the festival is not only to promote football as it also serves as an exhibition ground for beneficiaries of YOPP’s skills development training program, to market products they produce. They market products such as liquid soap, beads, local drinks, and tie and dye fabrics.

The teams were divided into two groups (A and B) with each consisting of three teams. Matches were played between the teams from each group and the best performing teams progressed to the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the final stage.

Kumbungu Walima and Kasuliyili qualified for the finals. After a keenly-contested match, the final ended in a goalless result. The game was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, where Kasuliyili emerged victorious over Kumbungu Walima.

At the end of the tournament, all participating teams received awards. Individual players were also recognized with awards such as Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, and Top Scorer.

In addition, certificates were presented to selected beneficiaries of the soft skills training program.

The festival also featured other engaging activities, including a “Night of Reflection,” where players gathered to share their football journeys and the impact the sport has had on their lives. The session also highlighted YOPP’s 16 years of existence, celebrating its achievements and success stories across various communities.