Martin Mugabi: Global Concepts of ISC

When ISC Global Director, Jens Omli, set out to develop the International Sport Connection he imagined coaches from all parts of Uganda coming together as equals to share in education that gives coaches the skills to teach, train, manage and mentor their teams and communities.  The vision came to life and grew in 2010 when we started our training in Kampala, Uganda.

We met Martin Mugabi at the 2010 International Sport Connection Coaches Training.  When we met this diligent coach from the recovering region of Northern Uganda, we hoped that we could connect with him and his community.  His home region has suffered years of war that have included abductions, mutilations, and conflict.  Martin has not forgotten where his community has been and this has guided his actions towards where he wants to bring them.

He is a coach who has done a lot of work for the youth of Uganda but because he was from the northern district of Masindi, he was often not included in coaching courses or unable to attend these coaches’ trainings.   

In May 2010, Martin rose as a top participant in our group showing the US instructors his passion and enthusiasm for learning and exchanging ideas about coaching.  In April 2011, Martin was selected to be part of the second exchange of Ugandan coaches invited to the United States.  Below are Martin’s words expressing how the ISC program has made an impact on who he is and  on his country.

Martin’s Story:

“Through ISC my coaching of sports/soccer has been exposed to global concepts.  

(Since the ISC training,) my team, the Masindi Little League, has scheduled activities in the midwest, northwest and mid-north of Uganda with an intention of activating a children league in 6 different localities, this coming second-term holiday break in August 2011.

Never in my life have I experienced massive soccer coach’s training as in May 2010 which 181 coaches where trained by ISC at Old Kampala.  (I)had another of (first time) experience after my Global travel to Texas and Minnesota (where) I was given the opportunity to be involved in the training 200 soccer coaches.

My team, the Masindi little league, has identified 21 coaches with intention to start a children’s league at the grassroots in 6 different localities in the west and north of Uganda. Details shall be communicated to the ISC.

I thank God that the network of friends through the International Sports Connection is using their skills and knowledge to help others. Through my follow-up activities I’m using the women world cup currently going on in Germany to create awareness about the involvement of the girl-child in playing soccer in Masindi.

I am looking forward to contribute to Lira integrated as soccer/entrepreneurial coach to the newly founded University. My warm greetings to Ian Baker, Diana and all the friends and fraternity in the Twin Cities. 

-Mugabi Martin”