The CommBank Matildas MD-2 training session on Monday was extra special, with players from the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA) coming down to take part and spend time with the team.
KGSA is a free boarding high school for girls in Kenya, which began as a simple idea: to use sport to keep girls safe and give them hope.
The Kibera area in Nairobi, Kenya, is one of Africa’s largest informal settlements.
KGSA was started in 2002 to leverage the unique potential of girls to end poverty for themselves, their families and communities by providing education, structure and opportunity for young girls in the region.
Being able to train alongside the Australian Women’s National Team was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Kibera girls who left as converted Tillies’ fans.
”It was really heart warming to have the girls visit,” Hayley Raso said.
“It was amazing to hear about their lives and I felt really lucky to be able to share the field with them, inspire them and just spend time together.
“Mackenzie and I spent time with one young girl and her cousin. We had a great time juggling, passing, heading, playing 2v2 and having running races. At the end I gave them my boots,” she continued.
“They were so grateful and it felt so nice to be able to give something to them that they loved so much. They told me, “God bless” and that they loved me, which was a very special moment for me.”
“The soccer drills were incredibly inspiring and the experience was great exposure for the girls,” Principal Claris of KGSA said.
“We deeply appreciated the generous donation of footballs and boots, which will go a long way in supporting their practice and growth in the sport.
“We are truly grateful and look forward to being at the pitch to cheer and support the Australian team!”
Storm Trentham from DBA Africa who faciliated the visit, spoke about the far-reaching impact having a team like the CommBank Matildas has had on the East African nation.
"The impact of having the Matildas in Kenya goes far beyond the game," she said.
"Not only does it allow young girls to meet global stars and inspire them to believe in their potential through sport, but it also shines a powerful spotlight on communities in need, helping to raise awareness and open doors for greater support and opportunity."
To learn more and support the great work of KGSA, you can find their website HERE
WOMEN’S FIFA SERIES 2026- KENYA
Match Three:
Malwi v India
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026
Kick-off: 2.00pm local/9.00pm AEST
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
Match Four:
Kenya vs Australia
Date: Wednesday 15 April 2026/Thursday 16 April 2026 AEST
Kick-off: 5.30pm local/12.30am AEST
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
TV Broadcast: All CommBank Matildas matches will be broadcast exclusively on Paramount+