Ida Tom’s Journey Through Football
Humble Beginnings in Ndhiwa
In the quiet rural village of Ndhiwa, where cultural norms often shape the future of young girls, Ida Tom dreamed of something different. Reserved and uncertain, she joined the Girls Football for Empowerment project by Twende Pamoja with little more than curiosity and a spark of interest.
What she didn’t yet realize was that football would become more than just a game—it would become the path that would transform her life.
Football: The Game That Gave Her a Voice
At first, Ida struggled. She was shy, unsure, and hesitant to take up space on the field. But with every training session, life skills workshop, and word of encouragement from her coaches, she began to change.
Football taught her to speak up, to lead, and to believe in herself. The support she received through Twende Pamoja helped her grow in both skill and confidence. The ball at her feet gave her a voice she never knew she had.
Her defining moment came during a major community tournament, where she scored the winning goal that led her team to victory—and turned her into a local hero. That performance opened a door: a scholarship to Nyakach Girls High School, known for its strong football program and academic excellence.
From Local Matches to the Global Stage
At Nyakach, Ida continued to shine, balancing academics with athletics and becoming a role model for girls who had once doubted themselves. But her journey didn’t stop there.
Ida’s growing talent earned her the opportunity to play football internationally in India, where she competed with athletes from across the world. It was a life-changing experience: new cultures, new challenges, and a powerful affirmation that her dreams could take her far beyond the boundaries of her village.
The girl who once played barefoot in Ndhiwa was now representing Kenya on international soil.
Giving Back: Mentoring the Next Generation
Today, Ida plays for Bandari Queens, one of Kenya’s top women’s football clubs. But she hasn’t forgotten where it all began. She returns to Ndhiwa to mentor younger girls, guiding them through the same journey she once walked.
“Through Twende Pamoja, I didn’t just find football—I found my purpose,” Ida says. “Now I want every girl to know she can rise, too.”
Ida’s story is more than personal success—it’s a testament to the power of opportunity, belief, and community support. She is living proof that when girls are empowered, they become unstoppable.
