by Paul Dreisbach
I was excited to reunite with the Petrichor team and get back to Cameroon after such a long time. The purpose of the trip was to launch two partnerships, check in on current programs and align on the future of Petrichor and youth football in Cameroon. Despite travel restrictions and some tricky health guidelines the trip went very smoothly and we wanted to give you a quick recap.
Partnerships:
La Liga: If you are not familiar, La Liga is the national football league in Spain under which world famous teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid and many others play within. We have been in talks over the years about how to best partner and provide maximum impact and the time was now. La Liga and Fundación La Liga (La Liga’s Foundation) stepped up to sponsor our youth girls league called Ligue D’Egalite (Equality League).
We had an internal trial run last year which helped us be ready for such a massive partnership. They are passionate about impact through sports programs and have been incredible to work with. Along with sponsoring the youth league ending in May, they have developed 3 coaching sessions for women coaches to complement the league. Our plans are to grow the league and impact hundreds more young girls by providing safe, fun and fair opportunities to play football.
Reach out if you are interested in being a sponsor for our next leagues (penciled for Oct. start)
Chipper: Chipper is a financial company currently working in several African countries using an app to transfer money easily around the world to family and friends. With their upcoming product launch in Cameroon later this year they reached about implementing an impact project to upgrade community fields in Cameroon. Part of their launch plans include impact programs and this project provided 5 overhauled community fields, community equipment and take away food boxes for 1500 families total around Yaounde! Their commitment to true community development and our on ground programs made this a great fit.
With that said, it was A LOT of work for our team. They have been working nonstop for months and to be there to help with the finishing touches was inspiring. There is a large amount of work that goes unnoticed and unappreciated by many to make these projects a reality. It is completely worth it and the difference it makes will impact lives for generations.
Programs:
Our recent member academy additions and promising academies we are vetting show potential to help Petrichor grow to the next level. Our model of partnering with local and existing clubs continues to be challenging but also innovative and based on true community need matched with solutions for sustainability and transparency. We are committed to helping existing club directors become top notch football coaches as well as outstanding community leaders.
Our Petrichor Elite program which is composed of the best players selected from all of our member academies is moving along nicely. Standing above most of the Elite teams is the U13 girls team. They were unbelievable. Cofounder Jordan Cone and I were both blown away the confidence, composure and technical ability these young girls are showing. All while laughing and having a great time playing football. These moments stand out as our programs are working.
Future:
We are so thankful for our amazing partners and sponsors that have made this possible. These programs and initiatives are changing lives and communities and we are blessed to be able to play our part in making this a reality.
Some upcoming projects we are excited about are the next Equality League impacting hundreds more young girls this fall, our pitch project, Elite Teams continuing to develop into young ballers/leaders and continued internal leadership development. Petrichor relies on quality leaders, staff and sponsors to make this happen. We have been blessed to have a killer team but are looking to add to this in specific and appropriate ways.
Petrichor also is at a turning point in growth, needing to scale and investment potential. We now have a proven track record, reputation and model that is working. Our goal is to move forward with our pitch project and community training facility but we need partners to step up and help us make this happen.
