In Winnipeg, Soccer Is More Than a Game—It’s a Movement for Change

In the heart of Winnipeg, where prairie winds carry stories of resilience and hope, a grassroots movement is quietly transforming soccer into a force for social change.

At the centre of it all is Gode Katembo, President and CEO of Canada African Cup of Nations Inc. His passion for the world’s most beloved sport is creating a ripple effect—touching youth development, community integration, and the local economy.

Seventeen years ago, Katembo arrived in Canada and found himself in an education system where diversity was rare. “I was one of maybe two people of colour in my school,” he recalls. “And like many others, I began to lose touch with my culture.” It wasn’t until college that he felt the pull to reconnect with his roots—and to help others do the same.

His answer was soccer (football)—the world’s most accessible sport, especially for newcomer communities.

A Language Without Words

“Soccer is a language we all understand,” says Katembo. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Muslim or Christian, Francophone or Anglophone—the game speaks to all of us.” In a city where more than a quarter of residents identify as immigrants or visible minorities, that shared language is proving to be a powerful civic tool.

What began as a small tournament among African youth has grown into an intercultural celebration, now drawing participants from Ukraine, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. “The name may one day change,” Katembo says with a smile. “We’re moving toward something like a ‘World Cup of Nations.’ That’s our 2030 vision.”

More Than a Game: A Social Safety Net

Beyond the goals and passes lies a deeper mission—to build belonging for youth at risk of social isolation.

Newcomer youth face real barriers: financial hardship, cultural disconnect, and racial discrimination can all leave them vulnerable. “We were seeing kids get into trouble simply because they had nowhere to go,” Katembo explains. “Soccer gave them a space to connect, belong, and grow.”

In a city where gang recruitment and youth crime are pressing concerns, the Cup of Nations provides a preventative solution rooted in mentorship, inclusion, and culture.

The Challenge of Playing Fair: Equity in Access

Building something this meaningful hasn’t come without its challenges.

Access to sports facilities has long been a struggle. “At first, we were told we needed insurance. So we got insurance. Then it was another reason. There was pushback,” Katembo recalls. For years, matches were held on neglected fields with minimal support.

But things have begun to shift. Thanks to persistent advocacy and support from city councillors, MLAs, and MPs who recognize the program’s cultural and social value, progress is being made. “We’ve been able to keep going because of community partnerships and people who believe in our mission,” Katembo says.

Not Just a Game — A Marketplace of Culture

This year’s tournament will be the biggest yet. The opening weekend, June 21–22, will include not just soccer matches but a full-scale cultural festival. The “Niger Market” will feature more than 160 vendors, food trucks, performers, trampolines, and more.

“Where we come from, sports is never just sports,” says Katembo. “It’s a place to eat, to laugh, to find a job, to share your story.”

This kind of community-rooted event brings real economic benefits. Dozens of small local businesses—many newcomer-owned—will gain visibility and customers. And with a low-cost entry fee, the event is accessible to families of all income levels.

Come for the Game. Stay for the Community.

Don’t miss the opening weekend celebration of the African Cup of Nations: June 21–22, 2025, in Winnipeg. Come for the game. Stay for the community.