In November, we hosted our first-ever soccer tournament dedicated to raising Epilepsy awareness, and I can confidently say—it was nothing short of amazing!
You might be wondering: What does soccer have to do with Epilepsy awareness? The connection might not seem obvious at first, but let me explain.
Tackling Stigma Through Soccer
In many communities, men and boys face significant stigmatization when it comes to Epilepsy. They often shy away from seeking medical care or even talking openly about the condition. This stigma extends to families as well, where fathers sometimes reject children with Epilepsy, claiming they aren’t their own. This not only marginalizes the children but also leaves mothers and caregivers feeling unsupported and judged.
In our monthly Epilepsy clinics, we’ve observed that 99% of the parents who accompany children with Epilepsy are mothers. This stark reality pushed us to think creatively about how to engage men in the conversation.
Why Soccer?
Soccer is a universal language that transcends barriers. It’s a sport loved by men and boys of all ages. By organizing a soccer tournament, we created a space where men were naturally drawn in—only this time, they didn’t just come to watch their favorite teams or cheer for their friends. They also learned about Epilepsy.
As the matches played out, we provided teachings about the condition, its treatment, and the importance of supporting those living with it. The soccer field became a platform for education, dialogue, and breaking down stigma.
Gratitude and Hope
We couldn’t have done this without the incredible support of the officials, referees, and teams who joined us in this mission. Your enthusiasm and commitment made this event a success. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
This tournament was just the beginning. We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue using soccer as a tool to make Epilepsy visible, understood, and accepted.
Together, we can make a difference—one match at a time.
