At the Tambach Friendly Tournament, held at the scenic grounds of Tambach Teachers Training Institute, the Kenya Grannies Football Federation (KGFF) proved once again that their impact goes far beyond the football pitch. This time, the grannies kicked for health and the environment—by planting tree seedlings and distributing them to the surrounding community.

As part of our growing commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship, KGFF incorporated a tree planting initiative into the tournament activities. Before the matches began, players, coaches, supporters, and community members gathered for a special ceremony where dozens of tree seedlings were planted around the institute grounds. Native and fruit tree species were chosen to promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide long-term benefits to the local ecosystem.

“This initiative is part of our holistic approach to well-being,” said Dr. Elizabeth J. Keitany, Founder/President of KGFF.

“Just as we care for our bodies through football, we must care for the earth that sustains us. The health of our environment directly affects our health, especially for older adults.”

But the mission didn’t stop there. KGFF also distributed hundreds of additional seedlings to local households, encouraging participants and residents to take the message home—protecting our environment is a team effort. Through this, the Federation aimed to raise awareness about the critical role of trees in combating climate change, improving air quality, and supporting community livelihoods.

The Tambach event was a beautiful blend of sport, community, and sustainability. In between thrilling friendly matches, attendees took part in short talks on environmental conservation, learned how to care for seedlings, and made personal pledges to plant and protect trees in their own compounds.

The smiles on the grannies’ faces said it all—this was not just about playing football, but leaving a legacy. Many of the grannies who once depended solely on firewood now understand the power of reforestation and are becoming champions of change in their villages.

Wrapping Up with Key Insights

By combining football with environmental action, KGFF continues to show that active aging and active citizenship go hand in hand. Whether on the pitch or in the soil, our grannies are showing that it’s never too late to make a difference—for your body, your community, and your planet.

As the tournament ended with cheers and dancing, the newly planted trees stood as living proof of what’s possible when people come together—not just to compete, but to care.