Meet Kennedy Osuoha, a dedicated SKILLZ Master Coach with YEDI, who has experienced a profound transformation through his journey with the SKILLZ program.

Kennedy joined YEDI in 2017 as a Basic SKILLZ Coach, working with adolescents aged 10-12. Over time, he progressed to an Advanced SKILLZ Coach and also trained as a SKILLZ Guyz Coach. In 2022, Kennedy’s dedication and progress were rewarded when he became a certified Grassroot Soccer trainer of trainers and a Master Coach.

In this piece, Kennedy describes five powerful ways being a Master Coach has transformed him and the incredible impact it has had on the young people he mentors.

  1. Enhancing Coaching Skills

As a YEDI SKILLZ Master Coach, Kennedy has honed his coaching skills, enabling him to provide effective guidance and mentorship to young people. This expertise has not only boosted his confidence in his coaching abilities but also fostered a deep sense of fulfillment.

  1. Increasing Empathy and Understanding

Working with diverse young individuals has developed Kennedy’s empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents. This heightened emotional intelligence allows him to offer more effective support and guidance to those in need.

  1. Improving Leadership Abilities

YEDI has provided Kennedy with numerous opportunities to lead sessions, facilitate discussions, and motivate young people. These experiences have sharpened his leadership skills, including communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

  1. Broadening Perspective and Network

Being part of YEDI has exposed Kennedy to a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and networks. This expanded outlook has led to new insights, collaborations, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

  1. Fostering Personal Growth and Fulfillment

Witnessing the positive impact of the SKILLZ program on young people’s lives has been incredibly fulfilling for Kennedy. As a Master Coach, he has also experienced personal growth through:

  • Seeing the tangible results of his coaching efforts
  • Developing a sense of purpose and meaning
  • Cultivating resilience and adaptability
  • Fostering a growth mindset and continuous learning

These transformative experiences have left a lasting impact on Kennedy’s personal and professional life, highlighting the remarkable work and impact of YEDI’s SKILLZ program in empowering young people and shaping brighter futures.

Kennedy’s journey began in 2017 as a Basic SKILLZ Coach, where he worked with adolescents aged 10-12, using sports as a catalyst for life skills development. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. As he progressed to the Advanced SKILLZ Curriculum, he witnessed firsthand the profound impact of YEDI’s programs on adolescents’ lives. Kennedy was then trained on the SKILLZ Guyz Curriculum, an opportunity not afforded to all volunteers. His hard work, consistency, transparency, diligence, integrity, and willingness led to continuous invitations for further training. Now a Master Coach at YEDI, Kennedy became certified by Grassroot Soccer as a trainer of trainers in 2022.