UNICEF and Freedom QJ League Join Forces to Support Children and Develop Youth Sports in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Freedom QJ League have announced a new partnership aimed at promoting children’s rights, developing youth sports, and creating a safe and supportive environment for adolescents through football (soccer).

Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding establishing the foundation for long-term cooperation. The partnership was officially launched at the opening of the new Freedom QJ League season, attended by government representatives, sports organizations, and key partners.

Timur Turlov, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Freedom QJ League, stated:

“Thank you for the cooperation. We are very pleased to work with an international organization such as UNICEF in Kazakhstan. We share a common goal – to create conditions in which children and adolescents can develop, unlock their talents, and realize their full potential. Football plays an important role in this process: it gives children the opportunity to engage in sports, grow, and improve. Today, Kazakhstan is experiencing a record number of births, and very soon, all these children will be entering school. Our task is to ensure they have quality developmental opportunities.”

Through this partnership, the parties will implement joint initiatives aimed at supporting adolescent well-being and developing safe sporting environments. A key focus will be an awareness-raising campaign on mental health and healthy lifestyles using the youth football platform.

This partnership will also include developing methodological materials and practical guidelines for coaches, parents, and professionals working with adolescents, as well as training sessions on child protection, safeguarding in sports, and mental well-being support.

The parties will pay special attention to joint events, including Match Day activations and other football-related activities designed to engage young people and raise awareness of children’s rights.

The partners also foresee expanding their collaboration, engaging new partners, and mobilizing resources to support UNICEF programmes in Kazakhstan, including volunteer involvement in initiative implementation.

“We see sport as a powerful tool for child and adolescent development. This partnership opens new opportunities to promote children’s rights, support their mental well-being, and create a safe environment for young people in Kazakhstan. This cooperation will contribute to UNICEF priorities in child and adolescent protection, as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda,”

 said Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, UNICEF Representative in Kazakhstan.