In many parts of the world, football clubs unite supporters around trophies and weekend matches. In Belo Subdivision Boyo Division North West Region of Cameroon, however, one grassroots football community is demonstrating that the game can also become a catalyst for education, economic empowerment and local development.
The Bigs of Arsenal, a community association that evolved from the former Arsenal Social Club, has trained young people in the production of organic manure and modern beekeeping as part of a broader effort to create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
The two-day practical workshop brought together 13 participants who received hands-on instruction in compost production and beekeeping techniques, including hive management and honey production. Rather than relying on classroom lectures, organisers opted for demonstrations using real beehives and live bees to give participants practical experience.
"Our objective is to empower our younger ones," the President of the association, Ambe Jude Thadeus Ankiambom said during an interview with Hilltopvoices.
"We realised that paying school fees alone does not solve the long-term problem. We wanted to equip young people with skills that can help them generate income even when we are no longer there." he stated
The initiative reflects a growing recognition across the world that football can serve as more than entertainment. Internationally, community football organisations increasingly use sport to improve education, health, social inclusion and economic opportunities. In Belo, where years of conflict have disrupted livelihoods and displaced families, the club believes football can also rebuild hope.
Originally established in 2004 as Arsenal Social Club, the association was created to bring young people together through football during school holidays, keeping them engaged and away from idleness. However, the socio-political crisis that affected the North West Region of Cameroon scattered many members across the country.
Instead of allowing the club to disappear, former members reorganised under a new identity, The Bigs of Arsenal, transforming it from a football-centred social group into a development-oriented community network.
"Our club has grown with us," Jude Thadeus explained adding that "Many of our members are now professionals. We felt we should use what we have learned and the opportunities we have received to create opportunities for those coming behind us."
Beyond football, the association has organised free holiday classes for pupils, provided educational assistance to vulnerable learners, supported registration fees for national examinations and initiated projects aimed at improving youth employability.
The latest agricultural training was carefully selected because of its relevance to the local economy.
With most families depending on farming, organisers identified organic manure production as a low-cost technology capable of improving soil fertility while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers. Beekeeping was chosen because of Belo's favourable natural environment, abundant flowering vegetation and untapped potential for honey production.
"There is free land and plenty of flowers that are not being exploited," Ankiambom said emphasing that "We saw an opportunity to help people develop that potential."
Although the organisers had initially planned to reach participants across Belo Subdivision, logistical constraints and limited preparation time reduced attendance. Nevertheless, the association considers the first training an important foundation for future expansion.
Recognising that training alone is insufficient, The Bigs of Arsenal has established a Messaging apllication support platform linking participants with trainers and technical experts. The group intends to provide continuous mentoring, troubleshoot challenges and help aspiring beekeepers access hives through flexible support arrangements.
"If someone is interested in beekeeping but cannot afford the equipment, we are ready to discuss ways of supporting them so they can start and eventually empower others," The president said.
The organisation also plans to extend similar capacity-building programmes to more communities, working with local leaders, churches and community organisations to increase participation.
Funding remains one of the association's greatest challenges.
Unlike many development organisations, The Bigs of Arsenal has no permanent funding source. Its activities rely largely on voluntary contributions from members and support from friends and well-wishers who believe in community development.
"We do not have the resources ourselves," Jude Thadeus acknowledged
"We lobby for support because there are people who appreciate initiatives that improve lives. We sacrifice what little we have, but we also depend on partners who share our vision." he stated
As football continues to unite millions across continents, initiatives such as those of The Bigs of Arsenal demonstrate that the game's greatest legacy may not always be measured by goals or trophies. In communities facing economic hardship and social disruption, the networks built around football can become powerful platforms for skills development, entrepreneurship and community renewal.
For Jude Thadeus Ankiambom, lasting transformation begins with individuals willing to invest in knowledge.
"I encourage young people to participate in capacity-building workshops wherever they are organised," he said. "If we want to change society, that change begins with each one of us. When you improve yourself, you can positively impact your community."
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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