Wild and Free Foundation
Wild and Free Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 based in the United States and South Africa. Our mission is to empower youth and communities living around the national parks and wildlife reserves in Africa, through sport and economic opportunities, to reduce their dependence on poaching of the African rhino and wildlife.
Wild and Free believes poaching will be dramatically reduced when 21st century economic opportunities exist in the rural communities surrounding the national parks and wildlife reserves. Wild and Free is a different way of thinking, a different way of connecting, an organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering people, for the benefit of people, wildlife, and habitat. We are a platform for pathfinders and innovators with the will and passion to create opportunities for people and wildlife. We believe that when we create a “prosperous perimeter” around national parks and wildlife reserves, community citizens will have very few or no reasons to poach. The populations surrounding wildlife reserves will become the custodians of the wildlife because they are benefiting from the wildlife being alive. |
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"Football is called the greatest game,
so why can't the greatest game
save the greatest animal?"
Rhino Cup Champions League
The Rhino Cup Champions League (RCCL) is a soccer league in rural Africa located in communities surrounding wildlife reserves. Started in 2016 with 12 men’s teams in Sabie, Mozambique, the league has grown to 60 men’s and women’s teams in three countries with over 1,300 players and coaches and created more than 100 jobs. The league is making a tremendous impact.
Living on the perimeters of wildlife reserves, and the edge of society, brings about a constrained situation where very few activities or financial opportunities exist for young people. Young people, mostly men, are easily recruited into rhino poaching with promises of money, and for something to do to improve their situation. Boredom, idleness, and poverty are driving factors to becoming a rhino poacher. The RCCL is turning communities away from poaching, one game at a time. With weekly games and practices, the RCCL is giving young people hope and purpose and a chance to be part of a team. The game of soccer is motivating young men and women. The RCCL is not only emotionally and physically rewarding, but also provides financial opportunities. Through investing in the younger generations, we are investing in the future of wildlife. When more communities are included in the RCCL, we get closer to creating a prosperous perimeter, where the people will have little to no reason to tolerate poaching. |
Wild and Free Foundation is on a mission
Our mission is to empower youth and communities living around the national parks and wildlife reserves in Africa, through sport and economic opportunities, to reduce their dependence on poaching of the African rhino and wildlife.
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ENGAGEWe asked how we could help stop young men dying in the bush while attempting to poach rhinos, their answer was, “futbol”. Soccer is bringing people together not just to play, but to appreciate the sport, socialize and share ideas.
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UPLIFTThe RCCL is creating economic opportunities through jobs, prize money, and small business developing at the fields. By following through on our promises, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner.
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PROTECTWe are committed to protecting the African rhino from extinction by uplifting and empowering the people that live near them. The RCCL is a collaboration that is turning communities away from poaching one game at a time.
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PURPOSEThe Conservation And Protection Of The African Rhinoceros.
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Wild and Free Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit OrganizationWild and Free Foundation (WFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the USA.
Wild and Free Foundation’s primary activity is in the conservation and protection of the African rhinoceros, through fostering a soccer league competition in rural Africa that is helping to prevent the poaching of wildlife and the conservation of wildlife habitats. Through the Rhino Cup Champions League (RCCL), Wild and Free Foundation is assisting with the uplifting process of some previously impoverished and idle communities in rural Africa, by providing them with much-needed income opportunities and healthy outdoor entertainment, boosting their self-esteem and developing empowerment. The RCCL projects is creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs to earn an income through developing business leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, dedication, determination and goal-setting. These attributes are then transferred as skills into their personal lives. As the young children in Africa look up to their peers, the new generation of Africa starts to practice the same attributes. Wild and Free Foundation’s soccer projects in rural Africa is assisting in the improvement of young lives, it is saving the lives of young men and the lives of rhinos. The Rhino Cup Champions League (football) projects, relies on donations and corporate sponsorships (tax deductible) to continue the valuable work. Learn more about the Rhino Cup Champions League or support the projects through donations. |