In the months since the FIFA World Cup 2026™, four Community Leaders who joined FIFA Volunteers in Mexico have begun putting the ideas and experiences they gained into practice.

Selected from 69 applicants representing 30 organisations across 22 countries, the FIFA Foundation Community Leaders were chosen for their work using football to create positive social impact in their communities: Lorenzo Claassen of training4changeS in South Africa; Aldin Vojvoda of Spirit of Football in Germany; and Natalia Catalina Hernández Torres of El Rio Foundation and David Osorio of Tiempo de Juego, both in Colombia.

During a month in Mexico City, they combined their FIFA Volunteer roles with peer-to-peer learning and time working alongside Girls United, a local organisation also supported by the FIFA Foundation.

For Lorenzo, one of the strongest takeaways came from seeing how Girls United creates inclusive opportunities for girls to participate and develop through football. “One approach I want to take home is the focus on creating a safe space and supportive environment where every girl feels valued,” he said.

Since returning to South Africa, his experience in Mexico has helped inspire elements of a Women’s Day event delivered by training4changeS in August. Under the theme “We Rise Together”, 50 girls from six primary schools across three communities came together for football, life-skills education and opportunities to build relationships through play.

The exchange also generated ideas that the Community Leaders could adapt to their own contexts. Catalina was particularly inspired by the female coaches she met at Girls United and the importance of girls seeing women as role models in football.

“I would love for our girls not only to learn a sport, but also to see themselves as future leaders, believe more in their abilities and understand that they can be part of spaces they may have never imagined before,” she said.

The FIFA Volunteer experience also provided lessons in teamwork and leadership. David highlighted the communication and shared responsibility required across different volunteer roles, reflecting that “leadership is about serving others with humility, respect, and commitment.” Back in Colombia, he plans to build on the experience by creating more opportunities for young people to become coaches, mentors and community leaders.

Aldin also took home practical ideas for his coaching at Spirit of Football, including how to combine football, fun and physical development within the same activities, while adapting sessions to different players and circumstances. He also found common ground with Lorenzo through their work with children and young people with disabilities, and the pair plan to continue exchanging ideas and coaching approaches between Germany and South Africa.

“What changed most for me was realising how much we can achieve by learning from one another across borders,” Aldin said.

The Community Leaders Volunteer Programme has since continued at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026™, where a new group of Community Leaders had the opportunity to gain tournament experience, exchange knowledge and build connections of their own.