“Kick for the Root” brought sport and sustainability together in an inspiring futsal tournament that raised funds and awareness for mangrove conservation in Malaysia. The event, held on 20 July 2025 at SEGi University, demonstrated how creative approaches can mobilise young people around climate action while promoting health, teamwork, and community spirit.
Organised under the MPU3432 Co-Curriculum Sustainability Thinking programme (May 2025) by Mangrove Menders’ Ahmed Mohsen Elsayed and Tharindu Geeth Sankalpa with guidance from Dr Amirah Zahri and Dr Noraidah Shariff, the tournament also saw strong student leadership with Project Director Lee Yew Hern, a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering student, and Deputy Kishen A/L Selvendran, from the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering programme. Their contributions were instrumental in coordinating teams, logistics, and outreach, ensuring that the initiative stood out as a key lead-up activity to SEGi Mangrove Day 2025.
The initiative highlighted two urgent global concerns: health and climate. Teams competed vigorously, aligning with the World Health Organization’s finding that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases by up to 30%. At the same time, entry fees and fundraising booths generated resources for mangrove restoration, supporting Malaysia’s national commitment to conserve coastal ecosystems. According to Global Mangrove Watch, the world has lost 3.4 million hectares of mangroves since 1996, making events like this critical to reversing damage and protecting biodiversity.
Throughout the tournament, educational displays reminded players and supporters of the indispensable role mangroves play in reducing flood risks, acting as natural carbon sinks, and sheltering marine life. With one hectare of mangroves able to store up to 1,000 tonnes of carbon, the message was clear: protecting these ecosystems is vital to climate resilience and the health of future generations.
Partnership was another defining feature of the success. Local sports clubs, student bodies, and community supporters joined in to ensure smooth operations and maximise impact. This spirit of collaboration reflected the growing global recognition that achieving sustainability requires joint action across sectors — echoing the United Nations’ call that SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, is essential for progress.
By uniting sport, education, and conservation, “Kick for the Root” proved that young people are ready to lead when given platforms that blend passion with purpose. More than just a tournament, it was a symbol of what happens when knowledge, community, and creativity converge for the greater good.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
SDG 13 (Climate Action)
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)