From Bremen to Windhoek: A Journey of Passion and Football

Driven by a desire for global exploration, Anne Marcus, originally from Bremen, Germany, embarked on a life-changing journey to Southern Africa over two decades ago. her path lead her to Namibia, where she found love and built a family. This personal journey intertwined with a passion for football, culminating in the establishment of the Ribeights football project, a beacon of hope in the Gorangab district of Windhoek.

the Genesis of Ribeights: A Community’s Call for unity

Nestled in the northwest of Windhoek, the Gorangab district is characterized by its modest corrugated iron homes and unpaved, rugged streets. It was here, amidst the everyday lives of the community, that the seeds of Ribeights were sown. As Nixon marcus and his brother, David Nakutwima, engaged in casual football games, local children expressed a heartfelt desire: Can you make a team for us? This simple request ignited a movement. Five years ago, Ribeights was officially founded, drawing its name from the area’s sloping terrain and the small river that meanders through it. Today, the project welcomes approximately 150 children regularly for training sessions, providing them with not just athletic skills, but also a sense of belonging and purpose.

football training session”>

More Than Just a Game: The Broader Impact of Community Football

Football’s influence extends far beyond the field. Grassroots initiatives like Ribeights play a crucial role in community progress, especially in underserved areas. According to a 2024 report by UNICEF, sports programs can considerably improve children’s physical and mental well-being, foster teamwork and leadership skills, and provide a safe and structured surroundings, reducing the risk of involvement in negative activities. Ribeights embodies these principles, offering a positive outlet for children in Gorangab and contributing to the overall social fabric of the community.

Sports has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.

Nelson Mandela

Looking Ahead: sustaining and Expanding the Dream

The Ribeights football project represents a remarkable story of personal commitment and community empowerment. As the project continues to grow, ensuring its long-term sustainability will be paramount. This includes securing funding for equipment, facilities, and coaching, as well as fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses. With continued support, Ribeights can further expand its reach, impacting the lives of even more children in Windhoek and serving as a model for similar initiatives across Namibia and beyond. The dedication of Anne, Nixon, and David, coupled with the enthusiasm of the young players, paints a promising future for Ribeights and the community it serves.

More Than Just a Game: Football as a Lifeline in Namibia

In Windhoek, Namibia, a football project is making a significant impact on the lives of young people, offering them not just athletic training but a sense of belonging and community. This initiative, supported by individuals like Anne Marcus, transcends the boundaries of a typical sports program, becoming a surrogate family for many participants.

Anne Marcus, while admitting to being rather unsportsmanlike, is deeply involved in supporting the project behind the scenes, managing its social media presence and providing crucial organizational support. Her husband, Nixon Marcus, a lawyer in Windhoek with a lifelong passion for football, leads the training and game institution. Nixon’s own experiences,including his youth spent in the former GDR where football was a constant in his life,fuel his dedication to the project.

Building Community Through Football

The project’s success lies in its holistic approach. It provides a safe and structured environment where young people can develop their football skills, learn teamwork, and build lasting relationships. This is particularly crucial in a country like Namibia, where youth unemployment remains a significant challenge. According to recent statistics from the World Bank, youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Namibia, hovers around 13%, making initiatives that offer structure and purpose all the more vital.

Anne Marcus emphasizes the profound impact of the project, stating:

I think they are very happy to come. Becuase that’s more than one project. I think that is really a family for many.
Anne Marcus, Project Supporter

This sentiment highlights the project’s role in providing emotional support and a sense of stability for its participants. Beyond the physical benefits of exercise and skill development, the project fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that extends beyond the football field.

The Power of Sport for Social Change

The namibian football project serves as a powerful example of how sports can be a catalyst for positive social change. By providing opportunities for young people to engage in constructive activities, develop valuable life skills, and build strong social networks, the project is contributing to a brighter future for the community. Similar initiatives around the world have demonstrated the transformative potential of sports in addressing social issues such as poverty, crime, and lack of educational opportunities. Such as, the “Football for Hope” movement by FIFA has supported numerous projects globally, using football as a tool for development and social inclusion.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving academy

What started as a simple desire to provide a safe space for children to play football has blossomed into a extensive development program. Nixon Marcus, co-founder of the riverhäng Football Academy, recalls the initial challenges: At the beginning there were thorns around the square… And you played once and the balls were broken. this sparked the idea to improve the playing field,which then evolved into a much grander vision.

With the support of a Namibian building contractor,who generously donated his time and equipment,the academy transformed a rough slope into a large,playable area. This space now provides ample room for children to play and develop their skills.

More Than just Football: Education and Empowerment

Recognizing the importance of education, the academy has expanded its offerings to include academic support. A container has been converted into a homework center,providing a quiet space for children to study. This initiative addresses the concerns of parents who want their children to prioritize their education. As 14-year-old Junior aptly puts it: Education comes first and then football. That’s why I like it here.

The academy’s holistic approach is paying dividends. Nixon Marcus proudly notes the progress of the young athletes: Where they live here in this poverty, hope is not very great.But when you have won the successes, where our teams have won against established teams, which means a lot to the kids and young people. Some academy graduates are now playing in Namibia’s second division,a testament to the quality of training and the opportunities provided.

Expanding the Vision: Future Plans and the need for Support

anne and Nixon Marcus have ambitious plans for the future of the Riverhäng Football Academy. They envision creating a true “education village” with multiple containers housing a library, smart classroom, and additional learning spaces. Currently, a kitchen is under construction, but lacks a roof, highlighting the ongoing need for resources.

To facilitate donations and support from Germany, the couple has established the Riverhäng Football Academy Germany Ev. They are actively seeking sponsors to help realize their vision of providing comprehensive educational and athletic opportunities for the children of Riverhäng.

The academy’s dedication extends beyond the football field and classroom. The founders are committed to improving the overall well-being of the community, as evidenced by their plans to leverage their next visit to Germany to solicit support for the local clinic.

The Power of Football in Community Development

The Riverhäng Football Academy exemplifies the transformative power of sport in community development. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Office on sport for Development and Peace, sport can be a powerful tool for promoting social inclusion, education, and health, particularly in marginalized communities. The academy’s success in Namibia underscores these findings, demonstrating how a simple game can inspire hope, foster education, and empower young people to achieve their full potential.