ABOUT US
FASI – A mission-driven social enterprise creating lasting impact
FASI – Football Academies for Social Impact is a mission-driven social enterprise that leverages football as a vehicle for positive change, transforming the lives of children in need across developing countries, starting from Mozambique.
Our mission is to build a network of academies that nurtures the next generation of football stars while elevating the health and education standards of thousands of underprivileged boys and girls aged 10 to 18. These are the three pillars on which FASI is built: 1) Talent Development, 2) Health, and 3) Education.
In two years, FASI has emerged as the leading talent developer in Mozambique, already reaching more than 5,000 children through its growing network of free-to-participate academies and programs, while setting new standards for holistic player development on and off the pitch.
OUR MODEL
Our Model Stands Upon Three Pillars
Talent Development
FASI’s academies aim to nurture talent to compete at the highest levels of football through a nation-wide footprint of satellite academies and traveling scouts, facilities and equipment of the highest standards, and a unique coaching philosophy.
Scouting & satellite academies
Coaching: standards & partners
Facilities & technology
Health
Diet & nutrition
Doctors & clinics
Mental health
Physiotherapy
Education
Cover school fees
Employability
Provide international exposure
Build the character of young leaders
Talent development
FASI’s academies aim to nurture talent to compete at the highest levels of football through a nation-wide footprint of satellite academies and traveling scouts, facilities and equipment of the highest standards, and a unique coaching philosophy.
Scouting & satellite academies
Coaching: standards & partners
Facilities & technology
Health
Diet & nutrition
Doctors & clinics
Mental health
Physiotherapy
Education
Cover school fees
Employability
Provide international exposure
Build the character of young leaders
By fostering African talent in this manner, we hope to empower them so that they can embark on a journey of excellence, both on and off the pitch.
OUR IMPACT
Achieving Long-Lasting Sustainable Impact
FASI is a certified social enterprise that leverages blended finance – combining private funding with support from development partners and donors – to achieve its social objectives. This model enables FASI to remain financially sustainable to create lasting impact.
To achieve this in Africa, we’ve designed FASI to be a champion of FIFA’s Child Safeguarding Principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), with our project contributing to 12 of the 17 UN SDGs.
Over 60% of African countries rank low on the Human Development Index set out by the UN, so we plan to periodically and transparently report on our key achievements according to the SDGs framework.
Some of FASI’s Impact Metrics
To date, FASI has already:
Transformed
5000
Children’s Lives
For the better, with their football development, health, and education being directly and indirectly impacted by being a part of the FASI family.
Served
40,000
Nutritious Meals
Supporting the healthy development of the children we support, as part of a tailored diet designed by a local dietitian to improve their wellbeing.
Delivered
65,000
Hours Of Education
Including schooling, mental support, character development sessions, coaching, and extra-curricular courses.
AFRICAN TALENT
Supporting African Talent’s Journey To Success
Africa’s youth face a wide variety of challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Malnutrition and poor health standards, with 1 in 3 African children suffering from stunting, along with high education drop-out rates and gender inequality—60% of girls don’t enroll in secondary school—are just a few examples. Additionally, Africa has the highest youth unemployment rate globally, at 30%, limiting access to professional opportunities.
Despite these hurdles, Africa is home to the world’s fastest-growing and youngest population, presenting immense potential.
At FASI, we are committed to addressing these barriers, helping African youth overcome these challenges and supporting their journey to success both on and off the pitch.
MOZAMBIQUE
From Mozambique To The Region
Following an in-depth analysis of the region, considering key social and demographic factors along with a detailed competitive assessment, Mozambique emerged as the ideal location for FASI to launch operations. Early in 2024, FASI began supporting Mozambican boys and girls.
According to UNICEF, 46% of children in Mozambique face multidimensional poverty, dealing with poor health, limited education (with only 11% of girls reaching secondary school), substandard living conditions, gender inequality, and the constant threat of violence.
A free-to-play, accessible, and inclusive project like FASI, leveraging football—the country’s most popular sport—is essential. With the help of the FASI Mobile and FASI’s Excellence Program, launching in 2025 with a boarding component, FASI plans to support children across the entire nation, addressing these issues and fostering positive change in Mozambique.
We envision this football-loving nation to be FASI’s first football powerhouse, facilitated by our FASI Academy House, located between the two most populated cities in the country, Maputo and Matola. Here, we give our athletes access to a professional first division football pitch, a private secondary school, and separate living facilities for girls and boys – all within walking distance to our Academy House. Our dreams aren’t just limited to Mozambique. We hope to expand to other nations across the region to transform the lives of thousands of people by becoming a football powerhouse in Sub-Saharan Africa.
PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE
Meet Our Team
We are incredibly proud to have an inclusive, diverse, and passionate group of professionals fostering growth and meaningful impact.
Álvaro García Maldonado
Founder & CEO
Over 10 years of professional experience impact-investing in Africa coupled with senior roles at top-tier football clubs and leading global sports groups.
Proven success in leading private equity deals and strategic and financial consulting mandates to drive positive social impact across developing countries.
Double Major in Law and Economics and a Masters in Sports Management from Columbia University.
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Álvaro García Maldonado
José Rocha
Head of Global Football & Safeguarding Officer
Over 25 years of professional track-record in youth development, coaching male and female teams and managing and directing academies across developing countries.
Licensed UEFA B Coach and FIFA Guardians Safeguarding Course.
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José Rocha
Gizela Come
Coordinator of Mozambique's Girls Program
Professional Football player (1st division Mozambican Football) & Licensed CAF D coach. Graduated with a Major in Sports Science and Physical Education at IMEDE (the Mozambican National Institute for Sports) and studying a master's in Sports Psychology.
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Gizela Come
Kêuma Marques
Psychologist
Major in Psychology from Marbella International University Centre
Passionate advocate for promoting mental health among communities facing economic, psychological, and social inequalities
Undergoing training in Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
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Kêuma Marques
Marla Tembe
Legal Advisor
Marla is a lawyer specializing in corporate law at an impact investing firm, where she applies her expertise to drive social change through investments. She also serves as the president of ADPDHA, an association dedicated to advocating for the Human Right to Adequate Food.
In addition, Marla is a DLA Piper Fellow, a coordinator for monitoring and evaluation with the Young Africa Leadership Initiative, and holds a leadership qualification from the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School.
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Marla Tembe
Stélio Munguambe
Director of Education
Stélio is an experienced educator who studied at the Universidade Pedagógica de Maputo. He specializes in teaching the English language — a core skill for the future of our student-athletes — and has spent over a decade supporting children’s development in Mozambican schools.
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Stélio Munguambe
STAKEHOLDERS
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with these key organizations. Their vital support helps FASI empower underprivileged youth through football, health, and education.
Ambassadors
We are proud to have great ambassadors in our corner, representing our core values and supporting our players as they reach the greatest heights.
Ninika Cuta
Mozambican Football Player
Lúcia L. Moçambique
Mozambican Football Player
These remarkable women embody FASI’s commitment to gender equality in football. Both Ninika and Lucia play in Europe, proudly represent Mozambique’s national team, and demonstrate that Mozambican female players can compete at the highest levels globally.
Help FASI transform more lives!
Brighter Futures campaign
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You can contribute through our Brighter Futures campaign and receive tax benefits on your donation.”
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CONTACT US
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