Football has been played in Mauritius for well over 100 years. It arrived with British settlers in the 19th century and quickly spread across the island. Today it is truly the people's sport - played by children of every background, from every community, on any patch of flat ground they can find.
The Mauritian football league is very competitive. Clubs from different towns and neighbourhoods build fierce but friendly rivalries. Match days are lively: families come with banners, drums and plenty of noise. Because Mauritius is a small island, people often know the players personally, which makes local matches feel extra special.
Mauritius has also produced athletes who have competed internationally. While Mauritius is a small nation, its athletes punch above their weight at regional and African competitions. For many children in Mauritius, football is the first sport they learn and the one they love the most.