When Pastor Victor Juma noticed a worrying trend of young men swapping school for social vices at an alarming rate in the Songeto area of Elgeyo Marakwet County, the cleric moved swiftly to stand in the gap.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsSpirited appeals,channeled through community elders and every other resource at Juma’s disposal, yielded little to no fruit in halting the academic exodus or steering the learners away from anti-social behavior.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872915##However, he never gave up, nor did he grow weary in his quest to see learners remain in school and lead morally upright lifestyles.As a man blessed with the wisdom to observe trends and behaviors, he noticed that the teenagers and youth loved football to the extent of never missing their favorite English Premier League (EPL) teams in action. He also noticed their undying love for playing the game among themselves whenever they were in their leisure time.It was after making this observation that he elected to start a team to bring the youth together, ultimately convincing those who had left school and gone astray morally to mend their ways.His friend and missionary, Alison Rimmer, powered his vision by providing a single football and a pump earlier this year, leading to the formation of the Africa Inland Church-sponsored Songeto FC. The project took off in March, with dozens of youth from the area showing up at the Songeto Primary School grounds to chase their football dreams and emulate the players they watch on screen.Juma capitalized on the impressive numbers to lay down strict rules: you will only train and play for the team if you are in school and not engaging in social vices.When Mozzart Bet visited the team earlier in the week, Pastor Juma reported that the project had helped return learners to Songeto Primary School, Emkong Primary School and Berese Primary School."Football has been a great tool for this community, especially in keeping learners in school.When the church noticed that the young men loved football so much, we started a team to keep them together and use the opportunity to drive the message of remaining in school across. I am so glad that we have succeeded within a short time,"said Juma, who doubles up as the head coach, patron and mentor. In a bid to boost Juma’s and the community's efforts, Mozzart Bet, through its ‘New Jerseys for New Champions’ initiative, donated 23 full playing kits and two match balls to the team, which largely competes in local tournaments.While appreciating the donation, Juma pledged that he will stop at nothing until every child in the area not only stays in school but also improves academically and remains grounded morally."My gratitude goes to Mozzart Bet for visiting us and donating uniforms and footballs. This will definitely attract more youth and, in turn, help us ensure positive transformation. It will also encourage me, the church, and the community to ensure that our young men don't waste away. Further, it will be helpful in promoting local talent," Juma added. Purity Koima, Elgeyo Marakwet County's Executive Committee Member for Education and Technical Training also thanked Mozzart Bet for their effort in uplifting grassroot clubs. "I join Pastor Juma in thanking our friends from Mozzart Bet for doing something for our boys. It will go a long way in making the programs the church and the community has for the youth successful," she said.