2024 Festival Highlights & Outcomes
In its first edition in December 2024:
- 1,424 children and youth were directly impacted through football matches, community health services, and family friendly events.
- An estimated 4,272 people benefited indirectly, including caregivers, community members, and volunteers.
- The tournament fostered self-confidence, teamwork, and joy, emphasizing the importance of play in childhood development.
Sports achievements-season one (2024)
- 13 football teams competed in U10 and U13 categories.
- U10 Champions: EROI & ZA
- U13 Champions: FC RUHITA
- Over 400 children received football skills training focusing on discipline, resilience, and fair play.
- Awards were presented to top players, coaches, academic achievers, and dedicated volunteers encouraging well-rounded excellence.
KICK FOR JOY-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION TOURNAMENT 2025
Kick for Joy is an annual sports festival that uses grassroots football to transform lives. Launched in 2024 by Bridge of Hope, this powerful initiative inspires children through joyful competition, skill building, and community engagement.
Rooted in a yearly theme, Kick for Joy goes beyond sports building character, promoting education, and reinforcing Christian values through mentorship and devotional sessions. The tournament gives children a platform to showcase their talents, connect with peers from different regions and sports academies, and experience the joy of structured play.
Held every December, this memorable event brings together children, youth, families, and communities in a spirit of celebration, unity, and purpose.
“Raising the voices of children with disabilities”
Kick for Joy 2025:
This year’s theme centers on advocating for the rights of children with disabilities through sports.
As part of the 2025 edition, Bridge of Hope is launching a powerful initiative to raise awareness about the inclusion of children with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The festival will feature:
- Public advocacy campaigns
- Creative presentations
- Increased visibility and inclusion of children with disabilities during games and celebrations
By making space for every child’s voice, we aim to promote acceptance, equal opportunity, and dignity in sports, education, and community life.
Community Impact
Kick for Joy is more than a football event it’s a community building platform:
- Families gather to enjoy games, music, and gift-sharing.
- Top-performing students are celebrated, showing that education is as valuable as athletic achievement.
- Christian mentorship deepens the spiritual foundation of each child.
- Partnerships with local authorities, schools, and faith-based organizations ensure that the event is a collective effort.
Kick for Joy 2025-Season Two Schedule
The second edition of Kick for Joy will run from November to December 2025 at multiple locations:
- UBUMWE Stadium (Nzige Sector, Rwamagana District)
- RUHITA Football Ground
- RUGENDE Football Ground
Grand Finale: December 19th, 2025
This year, we aim to engage over 2,000 children, especially from vulnerable rural communities, participating alongside their caregivers.
What’s New in 2025?
- A committed advocacy platform for children with disabilities
- Expanded faith-based mentorship programs
- Enhanced coaching and life skills development
- A heartwarming christmas Celebration with music, performances, and gift-giving
Partner with Us
Kick for Joy is not just a tournament it’s a movement that empowers children through:
- Sports
- Advocacy
- Education
- Faith
We welcome support from:
- Corporates
- Faith-based organizations
- NGOs
- Government agencies
- Individuals who believe in the power of inclusion and transformation
Your support whether through funding, in-kind donations, media coverage, or volunteering helps us reach more children and expand our impact.
Call for Youth Sports Academies
If your academy trains and mentors young players with passion and purpose, we invite you to join Kick for Joy 2025!
Deadline to apply: August 20th, 2025
Join the Movement
Kick for Joy is about giving every child a chance to shine on the field and in life. Through sports, advocacy, and joyful celebration, we’re shaping confident, purpose-driven young leaders.
Whether you’re a parent, coach, volunteer, or supporter, your involvement creates brighter futures full of hope, joy, and transformation.
- sports@rsc.org.rw
- (+250) 788 260 761 | (+250) 783 885 488
- KG 12 St, Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to Rising Stars Sports Center, a program designed to transform the lives of children in rural Rwanda through the power of sports. As part of Bridge of Hope, we aim to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and Christian values among the children and youth from rural communities.
Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of young athletes and their communities.
Quick Links
©rsa.org.rw. All rights reserved.
Follow us